Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Christmas Stalking

GIVEAWAY

DALEY, MARGARET
CHRISTMAS STALKING

Bodyguard Ellie St. James has one objective: protect her client…without letting her know. Pretending to be Rachel "Winnie" Winfield's assistant lets Ellie stay close, but there's an unexpected complication—Colt Winfield. Winnie's grandson wasn't in on the plans, and the suspicious marine biologist isn't easy to fool. When the truth comes out, so do more threats to Winnie's life. Trapped on a Colorado mountain, Ellie and Colt must trust each other to guard Winnie and find the stalker. Before this Christmas becomes their last.

My Review:

Take a deep breath before you open this book because you won't be coming up for air any time soon!!! Daley has perfected the art of suspense writing which reduces this reader to a frenzied page-turner. The current of romance adds a delicious tension to the already taut plot as drama explodes off the page over and over again. And, seriously, who can resist that oh-so-clever title?!

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Christmas Stalking, 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 November 4 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Jesus : Pure and Simple


CORDEIRO, WAYNE
JESUS PURE AND SIMPLE

It's Time to Get Back to Jesus, Pure and Simple

Do you ever feel like you're being pulled in a million directions? Like you're overwhelmed with various programs and ministries, or with studying the steps to good parenting or the best ways to share Jesus with your neighbors? These are all good things, but even good things can sometimes take us away from our number one responsibility--knowing Jesus better.

Wayne Cordeiro shares how to focus on the One who matters most and take part in the joy and fulfillment that He brings. But he also teaches how this leads to selflessness, a true love for others, and effective ministry. It will, in fact, change how you see the world around you.

When you focus on Christ, everything else falls into place. Your relationships. Your job. Your church. Your mission. It's all placed in the hands of Jesus, pure and simple.

My Review:

Cordeiro delivers an important message in an appealing way. In a simple, direct manner, he reminds his readers to not lose sight of the simplicity of the gospel. Jesus should be at the very heart of our lives but even well-intentioned Christians can get bogged down with busyness of life -- including church life. By keeping Jesus pure and simple  we stand a better chance of living a Christ-filled life that is pleasing to God and a blessing to us.

Each chapter ends with a few pertinent questions that really got me thinking. Rather than asking the reader to simply paraphrase parts of the chapter, Cordeiro's  open-ended questions require reflection and would provide lively discussion for a small group. In fact, I used Jesus : Pure and Simple as part of my Sunday School class this weekend and it was very well-received. Created quite an impetus for dialogue -- even among the quieter members of the group. This is a definitely a book I'll add to my library and refer to again and again.

"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".  

A Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection

GIVEAWAY

CLIPSTON, AMY
A KAUFFMAN AMISH CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

In A Plain and Simple Christmas, from the author of the widely popular Kauffman Amish Bakery Series, shunned Anna Mae doesn’t receive the welcome she expects when she pays a visit for Christmas and her world begins to fall apart, leaving her to question her place in her family---and her faith in God.

Set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Naomi’s Gift reintroduces twenty-four-year-old Naomi King, who has given up her dreams of finding true love. But when a young widower stirs surprising feelings in her, Naomi cautiously opens her heart to him and receives an unexpected response that once again turns her world upside-down.

My Review:

Naomi's Gift was released as a novella last year. You can read my review here: http://www.bestreads-kav.blogspot.ca/search/label/Clipston%20Amy 

A Plain and Simple Christmas is a moving coming home story. The perfect plot for a Christmas setting in my humble opinion. Clipston captures the emotions of her characters so well that they can't help but rub off on the reader so this is an angsty, infuriating but ultimately joyful read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection, 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 November 4 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

October Giveaway - Week Four


Congratulations!

won by Amanda

won by Elyssa

won by Lane Hill House
 
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 two week time frame. If I can't reach you within two weeks your win will be forfeited and I will add an extra win to a future draw to even things up.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:


In the middle of this
and loving it!!!!

Love the play on words in the title!
The book is just as clever!

Two novellas filled with
Christmas Spirit!

My first Love Inspired
Amish story and I loved it!
 

Friday, October 26, 2012

The Gaither Homecoming Bible

GAITHER, BILL & GLORIA
THE GAITHER HOMECOMING BIBLE

The Gaither Homecoming Bible will make the Bible come alive for those seeking truth in the twenty-first century, even for those who think they already know it. For years, Bill and Gloria Gaither have reached millions of people across generations with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Their music of joy, thanksgiving, and praise ushers people into the presence of God so that He can do His wondrous work in their lives. Featuring inspirational and insightful Scripture devotions by the Gaithers and other favorite Homecoming artists; articles on beloved hymns, gospel songs, and Gaither classics and the inspiration behind them; original poetry by Gloria Gaither to enlighten and inspire; and quotes by greats of the faith, reflecting on the importance of music in the life of believers, this beautiful Bible featuring the New King James Version® (NKJV) is one that readers will treasure for years to come.

My Review:

I've had the same bible -- traditional King James version -- for way too many years to count. I love the look of the worn leather, the feel of the transparently thin pages, the connection I feel with our shared history. So I wasn't really in the market for a new bible. How could I improve on perfection, right? Well, maybe I couldn't, but the Gaithers sure could...and did. I'm so thankful that I took this opportunity to review The Gaither Homecoming Bible. Aptly named, by the way, because losing yourself in the pages does feel like coming home.

In fact, it reminds me of a really good bible study group. The kind where everyone is comfortable with each other and not shy about sharing how they apply the scriptures to their lives. Numerous insets written by Bill and Gloria and other Homecoming artists bear witness to the importance of scriptures today. Multiple testimonies of the power in the word of God to change lives. Studying favourite verses with this new light has transformed my bible study. I still read my old bible, but I enhance the reading with all the extras The Gaither Homecoming Bible offers. At the end of a study session I feel as if I've had a wonderful gospel discussion with numerous new friends. I just love the blending of old and new and appreciate the heart-felt stories that show the bible is just as pertinent today as when it was first written.

Definitely a refreshing way to invigorate your daily devotions! A beautiful additon to any Christian library.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson
".

Thursday, October 25, 2012

No Safe Harbor

GIVEAWAY

LUDWIG, ELIZABETH
NO SAFE HARBOR

New York City, 1897

She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she's found is a web of danger.

Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother's warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.

She's then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother--but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.

With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke... a man she's grown to love?

My Review:

Wow -- winning combination of both historical and suspense genres! And of course, I can't get enough Irish stories, so that added to my excitement! Thrust into intrigue in the very first chapter, I was anxious every time Cara spoke to someone! Veiled in mystery, warned to trust no one, I felt her confusion and anguish as she struggled to find the answers she has come to America seeking.  Of course, as in any good suspense, I wanted to throttle her a time or two because she refused to heed my sage warnings which left me in a page-turning frenzy by the end.

I'm afraid to say much more for fear of giving intrinsic plot details away and spoiling your fun when you pick up this read...and believe me, you'll want to. No Safe Harbor has multiple twists and turns in both the suspense and the romance -- all played out to perfection in turn of the century New York City. A breath-taking read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of No Safe Harbor, 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 October 28 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

"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". 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

All Things New

GIVEAWAY

AUSTIN, LYNN
ALL THINGS NEW

The war is over. The South has lost.Josephine Weatherly struggles to pick up the pieces of her life when her family returns to their Virginia plantation. But the realities of life after the war cannot be denied: her home and land are but a shell of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken.

Her life of privilege, a long-ago dream.
Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival--and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine's mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak...but a bitter hatred fuels her.

Can hope--and a battered faith in God--survive amid the devastation?
In her bestselling tradition, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of Reconstruction by interweaving the stories of three women--daughter, mother, and freed slave--in a riveting tale.

My Review:

Austin takes the glamour out of the civil war in this compelling and disturbing account of the post-war South. I have to admit that I hadn't given much thought to what happened immediately after the war ended -- or how Americans picked up the pieces of their lives after battling for five years. Gritty and realistic, I found All Things New depressing at the start. The obstacles the South faced were overwhelming. No family was untouched by loss. People were starving. Despondency and bitterness became the new enemy and Austin thrust her characters into the middle of the chaos.

The story becomes all the more powerful because it is told from three very different points of view. First there is Josephine. She's almost apathetic from the start -- numbed by all the suffering she has endured. I loved her character arc the most. What a transformation! Especially appreciated her faith struggle has she attempted to make sense of the horrors of war. And I loved the way Austin contrasted Josephine's story with that of her mother, Eugenia and a former slave, Lizzie.  All three women are experiencing different facets of freedom for the first time. Such a brilliant concept that results in a powerful, moving and very memorable read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of All Things New, 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 October 28 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

"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". 

Monday, October 22, 2012

Season of Joy

GIVEAWAY

CARMICHAEL, VIRGINIA
SEASON OF JOY

As the holiday season approaches, wealthy CEO Calista Sheffield wants to give instead of receive. So she volunteers at a downtown Denver shelter, never expecting that her own scarred heart will be filled with hope and healing. The mission's director, handsome Grant Monohan, has devoted his life to helping those in need. But his harrowing past—and what he sees every day—makes him wary of Calista. Unless she shares her painful history, he'll never believe they can have a future. But a future with Grant at the shelter is the only Christmas gift Calista truly wants.

My Review:

Seriously good read! Carmichael's writing is tight but packs a punch as she weaves her words into a tapestry of stunning phrases and breathtaking emotion. This has everything a solid romance needs -- a hero and heroine that tug at your heart, a rich plot with a few unexpected twists, one monumental obstacle..wait, make that two...or three...let's just say enough to make Season Of Joy a page-turning frenzy of a read. I read it in one day and loved every second.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Season of Joy, 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 October 28 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

October Giveaway - Week Three

CONGRATULATIONS!

won by Merry

won by Judy

won by Veroncia Sternberg


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 two week time frame. If I can't reach you within two weeks your win will be forfeited and I will add an extra win to a future draw to even things up.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

love the mix of supsense and
historical!

Gripping post-war saga!

Seriously, one fo the BEST
Love Inspireds I've ever read!!!!!
And it's Christmas to boot!
 

Friday, October 19, 2012

The Carpenter's Inheritance

GIVEAWAY

EAKES, LAURIE ALICE
THE CARPENTER'S INHERITANCE

Lucinda Bell wants nothing more than to follow in her father's footsteps and practice law. But in 1893, the state of Virginia won't allow a woman lawyer. So she leaves her family and fiancé and buys a dying practice in Massachusetts, determined to prove herself capable of succeeding at the profession—if she can find acceptance and safety as Loveland's sole lady lawyer first.

Quiet, handsome Matthew Templin, a local carpenter with a questionable past and a potentially dangerous need for a lawyer, is captivated by Lucinda. But he also knows she's above his touch—and that a hidden truth may destroy her career and possibly his own life.  As ambitions collide, Lucinda faces a choice whether to give up her dream—or give up the love of her life.

My Review:

I am enamoured with Laurie Alice Eakes' longer historical novels but have never read her novella length ones so I was excited to delve into The Carpenter's Inheritance. Eakes delivered the same quality, tension and drama that I am familiar with -- all in a shorter word count. Now that takes talent!

Loved the impossible scenario -- educated Lucinda of good social standing versus the simple town carpenter with a questionable past. Lucinda finds herself fighting the attraction, all too aware of the havoc that would play in her business plans. Matthew just won't further her cause and she's already fighting prejudice because she's a female. Matthew, with a tendency to internalize his past, has placed Lucinda on pedestal and he has no intention of taking her down. Thankfully Eakes has other ideas and she weaves an intricate story of betrayal and love and the saving grace of the Lord beautifully.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Carpenter's Inheritance, 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 October 21 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Dear Deb : A Woman With Cancer, A Friend With Secrets and the Letters That Became Their Miracle

TERRY, MARGARET
DEAR DEB : A WOMAN WITH CANCER, A FRIEND WITH SECRETS AND THE LETTERS THAT BECAME THEIR MIRACLE

"I want you to know that if my illness inspired you to write these stories, the cancer was worth it."—Deb

What stories could possibly make cancer worth it

Stories that represent a miracle—a lifetime of miracles. Stories that changed the writer as she wrote them and stories that will touch the heart of the reader, one by one by one. Stories that are not just stories.

They started out as words of encouragement to a dying woman. They turned into a collection of sparkling and intimate moments, pulled from the past to finally be understood and shared with new meaning.

Story by story, letter by letter, Margaret Terry uncovered powerful pictures in her own life of the one truth that could help carry her friend Deb from this life to the next: God is at work.

Together, Deb and Margaret found renewed hope in all the ways God shows up right to the very end. Which is where they found the miracle they'd been praying for all along. In each other.

My Review:

What an inspiring, heart-tugging book! Laid out in a series of brief chapters -- each one a letter to Deb -- the author allows us into her past. "Deb's illness gave me the chance to press my face against the window of my life, and what I saw was startling." What did the Terry see? Miracles waiting to be given a voice. These life snippets are filled with the ordinary and transformed into the extra-ordinary by the power of her words. A beautiful, blessed read that will lift you up and spur you on to write your own life letters too.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson
".

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Reunion

GIVEAWAY

WALSH, DAN
THE REUNION

There are people in this world we pass right by without giving a second thought. They are almost invisible. Yet some of them have amazing stories to tell, if we'd only take the time to listen . . . Aaron Miller was an old, worn-out Vietnam vet, a handyman in a trailer park. Forty years prior, he saved the lives of three young men in the field only to come home from the war and lose everything. But God is a master at finding and redeeming the lost things of life. Aaron is about to be found. And the one who finds him just might find the love of his life as well. Expert storyteller Dan Walsh pens a new tale filled with the things his fans have come to love--forgiveness, redemption, love, and that certain bittersweet quality that few authors ever truly master. Fans old and new will find themselves drawn into this latest story about how God cares for everyone.

My Review:

Dan Walsh's words have the power to lift his characters (and subsequently his readers) up from the depths of despair and into the light. The poignant message behind his latest release is inspiring. Be prepared for many goosebump moments as Walsh weaves his magic. And a gentle reader warning: you will need copious amounts of tissues on hand for the triumphant and incredibly moving climax. 

This is the kind of story that would easily translate onto the big screen and would make an amazing Christmas movie. Hallmark Channel, are you listening? The Reunion has touched me in a profound way. God bless the author and his writer's voice!


Giveaway Opportunity:


If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Reunion, 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 October 21 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".




Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Full Disclosure

GIVEAWAY

HENDERSON, DEE
FULL DISCLOSURE

PAUL FALCON AND ANN SILVER: A LOVE STORY

Ann Silver is a cop's cop. As the Midwest Homicide Investigator, she is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murder. Hers is one of the region's most trusted investigative positions.

Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the Midwest. If the victim carried a federal badge or had a security clearance, odds are good Paul and his team see the case file or work the murder.

Their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass a case off her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter he is tracking. Paul isn't expecting to meet someone, the kind that goes on the personal side of the ledger, but Ann Silver has his attention.

The better he gets to know her, the more Paul realizes her job barely scratches the surface of who she is. She knows spies and soldiers and U.S. Marshals, and has written books about them. She is friends with the former vice president. People with good reason to be cautious about who they let into their lives deeply trust her. Paul wonders just what secrets Ann is keeping, until she shows him the John Doe Killer case file, and he starts to realize just who this lady he is falling in love with really is....

My Review:

Deeply romantic. A stunning portrayal of characters and events that lead to an unforgettable love story. Paul Falcon is so deliberate in his pursuit of Ann -- the lengths he goes to, the way he thinks through every move, his ability to accept Ann for who she is and not try molding her into someone she could never be. There's raw emotion in this book -- for both the characters and the readers. Honestly -- the most romantic book I have ever read!

Fans of Dee Henderson's writing will get multiple thrills though this book stands easily alone as a wonderful read. I don't want to give anything away so that's all I'm saying. :-)

As far as the romantic suspense goes -- I'd almost categorize this one as more of mystery since there isn't any imminent peril involved. Readers get an incredible glimpse into the day to day workings of an F.B.I.  investigation and that includes the tedious wait times, the lapses in fresh clues and all the other frustrations that we don't always get to read about. I love the way Henderson built the case -- it's complex but she delivers each piece of information in a way that is easy to digest.

Ann isn't your typical heroine -- and I think I loved that most about her. She knows who she is and is comfortable in her own skin. Cautious in who she allows into her sphere. But for all that she has rich friendships based on truth and respect. The kind that will last for a life time. I think that says a lot about her character. She's also a good cop, thorough in an investigation and brilliant at putting the pieces together to get the full 'story'. That's her absolute strength and what captures Paul's interest right from the start.

What can I say about Paul -- other  that I've fallen completely in love. :-) Hes' a family man, a people person, driven at work, but not to the point that he blocks out the value of friendship and family. I love the way he thinks through a problem -- whether it is work related or relationship related. He is relentless at both. But he doesn't overpower. He's the quintessential team player.

In some ways Ann and Paul are complete opposites, yet Henderson weaves a believable tale that brings them together. Full Disclosure is a definite departure from her famed O'Malley series, but I enjoyed it thoroughly nonetheless.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Full Disclosure, 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 October 21 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

"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". 

Sunday, October 14, 2012

October Giveaway - Week Two

Congratulations!


won by Kay from NY

won by Jes

won by Carol N. Wong

won by Penny

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 two week time frame. If I can't reach you within two weeks your win will be forfeited and I will add an extra win to a future draw to even things up.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!

3 kleenex box alert -- wait--
better make that 4!!!!!

I love this author but have never
read her Heartsongs Presents stories.
This one is a gem.



Friday, October 12, 2012

A Hickory Ridge Christmas

GIVEAWAY

CORBIT, DANA
A HICKORY RIDGE CHRISTMAS

A season for love...

A minister's daughter and unwed teen mother -- five years ago Hannah Woods had been the talk of Hickory Ridge. Now her little girl was the light of her life, though Hannah was unable to forgive the one who'd lover her -- and then left.

Todd McBride had left town a boy and returned a man with a quest: to find the woman he still adored and ask for a second chance. But Hannah's secret - a child he hadn't known about -- threw his plans into a tailspan.

With Christmas rapidly approaching it seemed the time for love and forgiveness was at hand...

My Review:

I had a hankering for holiday reading plus I wanted to review Christmas books early enough that the giveaways would reach their destination before Christmas so I ordered some early Christmas reads online at Harelquin. Unbeknownst to me, all three books that I ordered are re-releases of previously published material. That's fine by me since I wasn't reading Love Inspired 5+ years ago, but some of you might have been so I'm giving fair warning.

As another spin on the popular secret baby theme, A Hickory Ridge Christmas gets brownie points for it's realistic portrayal of the emotions and outcomes in this kind of  situation. Hannah has had to grow up quickly -- as a teen teetering on the threshold of adulthood she was thrust into responsibility before she was ready to shoulder it. As a result she still harbors adolescent feelings that have left her thinking only about how her pregnancy has affected her. When we first meet her, she's still trapped by those emotions and I enjoyed watching her grow into maturity through the course of the book. Her unforgiving resentment of Todd has festered over the years and created quite a chip on her shoulder.

Todd on the other hand is eager to mend past hurts, eager and full of purpose when he hits town -- only to find that his hoped for happy reunion involves an extra person he hasn't bargained on.

A sweet Christmas romance with a happily ever after just perfect for the season.


Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Hickory Ridge 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 October 14 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The Unexpected Gift

GIVEAWAY

HANNON, IRENE
THE UNEXPECTED GIFT

A yuletide legacy...

When city girl Morgan Williams arrived in Seaside, Maine, on Christmas Eve, to claim the cottage she'd inherited, she came face-to-face with the handsomest man she'd ever seen. But looks weren't the only thing that Grant Kincaid had to offer. And when he enlisted Morgan's help to raise money for Good Shepherd Camp for troubled kids, she realized there were more important things in life than expensive cars and fancy clothes. Soon Morgan was yearning for a different life...one that included faith and a storng, steadfast Grant by her side.

My Review:

I had a hankering for holiday reading plus I wanted to review Christmas books early enough that the giveaways would reach their destination before Christmas so I ordered some early Christmas reads online at Harelquin. Unbeknownst to me, all three books that I ordered are re-releases of previously published material. That's fine by me since I wasn't reading Love Inspired 5+ years ago, but some of you might have been so I'm giving fair warning.

I love it when an author creates a timeless romance and this is one. First, I love the unhurried pace. The romance develops by degree over a period of time and there's lots of opportunity for character growth and plot development. Makes for a more realistic read. The Unexpected Gift is as much about Morgan and Grant finding themselves as it is about them finding each other. I loved the depth of their journey and how it draws to a rewarding conclusion. Another great holiday read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Unexpected Gift, 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 October 14 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

The Doctor's Christmas

GIVEAWAY

PERRY, MARTA
THE DOCTOR'S CHRISTMAS

God could not have chosen a worse time to send Dr. Grant Hardesty to Button Gap. Three abandoned children were depending on Maggie Davis's clandestine care until their mother returned. Maggie didn't think she could trust the by-the-book doctor with her secret. Until she got a glimpse into his soul...and God's mysterious ways became as clear as a starry night.

Maggie knew her trust was well placed as this once-aloof doctor opened his heart to the children...and her. But as Grant's time in Button Gap ended, she prayed for one more miracle. Could God make this man who seemed to have everything recognize that it all meant nothing without Maggie's love?

My Review:

I had a hankering for holiday reading plus I wanted to review Christmas books early enough that the giveaways would reach their destination before Christmas so I ordered some early Christmas reads online at Harelquin. Unbeknownst to me, all three books that I ordered are re-releases of previously published material. That's fine by me since I wasn't reading Love Inspired 5+ years ago, but some of you might have been so I'm giving fair warning.

The Doctor's Christmas was originally published in 2003 and it was interesting to see how the line has changed over the years. There's more uninhibited sharing of the gospel in these earlier stories which I happen to love. And this book has all the necessary ingredients to tug at your heartstrings and leave you humming Christmas Carols long after you close the book. In fact it would make an awesome movie. Tight plot, children in peril, lost soul begging to be found, a close-knit community with some interesting characters and a sweet love story all wrapped up with a Christmas miracle. Honestly, a Christmas read can't get any better then this!


Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Doctor's 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 October 14 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!