All That Really Matters

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ!

DEESE, NICOLE

ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS

Molly McKenzie's bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have earned her an impressive social media following, as well as a big pay check each month. When her manager-turned-boyfriend says she has an audition to appear as a host on a makeover show that nominates underprivileged youth, her dream of further fame seems to be coming true. There's just one catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.

When her manager-boyfriend convinces her to partner with a local organization, she begins volunteering with a summer youth program. The program's director, Silas Whittaker, challenges her at every turn, but she swiftly grows more attached to the kids -- and him --ever day.

As Molly experiences an acceptance unlike anything she's known, she wrestles with the lies she's been believing about herself for years. She thought she knew what mattered most in life, but maybe she's had it wrong this whole time, and there's more to being truly seen than what she's built her entire life on.

My Review:

published in 2021

Did I deliberately snub this poor book last year when it released? Well, snub might be a little harsh...more like pointedly ignored. :-) Why, you ask? Because I have absolutely zero interest in the social media influencer hype and the value placed on superficial things, the...yes, I'm going to say it...idolatry that takes place online. So, did I want to read about influencer Molly? Not so much. 

BUT... 

then I read 'All That It Takes' (sequel) recently and was blown away so I did a bit of backtracking and read some reviews for 'All That Really Matters' and lots of them started with "I didn't think I'd like this heroine but...." And then, this title shows up as a 2022 Carol Award finalists and I'm like, "All right, already. I get the message. I need to read the book!!" So I did. And...

Gobsmacked.

Not so much a redemption story as an awakening story and watching Molly come alive through the light of Christ and service, finally realizing what really matters...gobsmackingly wonderful! Phenomenal character growth saturated in faith.

And Silas. Gobsmacked again. Swoony book boyfriend material.

And there's even more to love about this book: Diverse characters. Authenticity in setting and plot. Flashes of humour. Intricate layers in both story and characterization. It's all just...well...I'm really...wait for it...

Gobsmacked!

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  All That Really Matters, 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 August 20 2022 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

 

A Cliche Christmas

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO RE-READ DAY!

DEESE, NICOLE

A CLICHE CHRISTMAS

Georgia Cole -- known in Hollywood as the "Holiday Goddess" -- has made a name for herself writing heartwarming screenplays chock-full of Christmas clichés, but she has yet to experience the true magic of the season. So, when her eccentric grandmother volunteers her to direct a pageant at Georgia's hometown community theater, she is less than thrilled. To make matters worse, she'll be working alongside Weston James, her childhood crush and the one man she has tried desperately to forget.

Now, facing memories of a lonely childhood and the humiliation of her last onstage performance seven years earlier, Georgia is on the verge of a complete mistletoe meltdown. As Weston attempts to thaw the frozen walls around her heart, Georgia endeavors to let go of her fears and give love a second chance. If she does, will she finally believe that Christmas can be more than a cliché? 

My Review:

Ha -- I first read this book during a summer heatwave six years ago and my second read through is...tada...during a summer heatwave! What are the odds? Super excited to find this one in audible too.

---

Christmas in July! I thought to lower the intolerable summer temps outside by reading a cool, refreshing winter story but I didn't factor in the delectable romance. Temperatures spiked. So did my heart rate. Snowflake kisses are the best! A delectable holiday romance with heart. 

Deese measures humour and angst in even doses and delivers a breathtaking love story worthy of a Hallmark movie. Just like the ones Georgia makes a living writing. Unfortunately, her real love life is the exact opposite...until her grandmother talks her into coming home for the Christmas holidays and she comes face to face with her high school sweetheart.

There is something so delicious about Weston's steady, deliberate pursuit. They aren't teenagers anymore. Older, but maybe not wiser as far as their feelings for each other are concerned. Such an exquisite love story full of  feisty fighting scenes and snow melting kisses. It isn't long before Georgia and Weston discover that Jesus can work something good out their broken lives.

No need to wait until 'tis the season to enjoy Weston and Georgia's story -- it's perfect for any time of year -- whenever you're in the mood for a toe-curling literary retreat.

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback (has been stored in a glass-doored bookcase so she's pristine)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Cliche Christmas, 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 July 30 2022 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

All That it Takes

GIVEAWAY

DEESE, NICOLE

ALL THAT IT TAKES

When the ever cautious Val Locklier moves cross-country with her son for a secure job, everything she planned unraveled in the first week. After Val reluctantly agrees to rent an apartment from her best friend's brother, an unexpected chance at an elite filmmakers' mentorship ignites fresh hope for a dream career. But as Val's community begins to expand, so do her insecurities, especially those heightened by her growing attraction to a certain friendly landlord.

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns from a short-term mission trip to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he's also been reassigned to a local ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he distracts himself by throwing his energy into a host of new projects -- not the least of which is pursuing Val -- without stopping to consider the future.

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they'll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.

My Review:

Gobsmackingly good to the point of leaving me without words...almost. :-)

There's so much meat to this story in the real gritty day-to-day challenges kind of way. And I absolutely love the unique perspective of a pastor's struggles. And my oh my does Miles struggle! On the surface, it seems like he has reasons for his issues with church politics but it's actually more complex than that. So many rich layers to uncover as the story progresses. Incredible character growth.

In Val as well. I can't say too much without giving spoilers, but, again, a deeply layered character arc that pulled at my emotions and even made me tear up a bit. 

And when you pair these two together -- cue the shooting stars and warm fuzzies! Absolutely love the way Deese progresses the romance. This couple actually talk to each other and they work through issues as they crop up which doesn't mean it's all smooth sailing. We're still left with a few nail-biting moments as they work through some things. It was just so refreshing to have a a switch from the usual twists authors use to keep the hero and heroine apart. Miles and Val are a great example of how a healthy relationship between two flawed people can not only be achieved, but thrive.

So many inspirational threads woven throughout -- mainly centering on what being the hands and feet of Christ can look like and it's truly beautiful. Honestly, I have no words....except READ THIS BOOK!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Inc.

Goal update: #5 Diversify my reading

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of All That it Takes, 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 May 14 2022. Offer open to 

The Kissing Tree

GIVEAWAY

JENNINGS, REGINA

WITEMEYER, KAREN

DYKES, AMANDA

DEESE, NICOLE

THE KISSING TREE

In this Texas-sized romance novella collection, courting couples, decades apart, leave a permanent mark of their love by carving their initials into the same oak's bark.

In Regina Jennings' Broken Limbs, Mended Fences, a small-town teacher has her credentials questioned by a traveling salesman.

In Karen Witemeyer's Inn for a Surprise, two opinionated collaborators with conflicting visions must turn a doomed business venture into a successful romantic retreat.

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes follows a young WWII naval airman who heads to Texas to meet the sister of a lost compatriot.

Heartwood by Nicole Deese is a modern-day romance about the groundskeeper of a historic inn who's reunited with someone from her past while she fights to save the town landmark.

My Review:

Unique voices linked together by a common theme make this a stunning novella collection. Absolutely love the generational aspect where the kissing tree is highlighted throughout the ages. And i also love the way the first and last novellas bookend the collection. Giggles to start and a tear or two shed at the end. :-) Brilliantly done.

Broken Limbs, Mended by Regina Jennings -- Has a great comedic start and that thread of humour is woven throughout the inevitable angst as the hero and heroine find themselves on opposing sides of an impossible challenge. A nice mix of love and laughter with a few toe-curls on the side.

Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer -- That great play of words in the title promises exactly what this novella delivers. Readers will be 'in for a surprise' over just how much fun and swoony-ness the author packs in a concise word count. Barnabas and Phoebe's story of practicality versus romance thrilled me to my toes.

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes -- Lyrically exquisite. Such a tender, moving love story spiked with humour and that desperate yearning we all have to belong.

Heartwood by Nicole Dees -- Sniffle. I'm still misty eyed now that it's all over and Dees closes things out with a heart-thudding, tummy-swirling reunion romance that has me happy/sad sighing. 

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 Kissing Tree, 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 winners announced on Saturday January 30 2021. 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!

A New Shade of Summer

GIVEAWAY

DEESE, NICOLE
A NEW SHADE OF SUMMER 

As an artist, Callie Quinn relies on inspiration to guide her wandering soul. This summer she accepts a short-term muralist job in her sister's charming town to spend some much-needed time with her family. After meeting her nephew's friend Brandon, she's eager to draw out his untapped artistic talents -- however, it's the boy's straitlaced single father who could use a little color in his life.

Davis Carter may be the town's favorite animal whisperer, but his experience is limited when it comes to understanding his preteen's rebellious behavior. Desperate for a breakthrough, he follows the lead of a free spirit who claims to know the way into his son's closed-off world. Soon, Davis isn't the only one caught up in the hope of a new beginning.

Just as Callie considers trading her unattached existence for a life rich with promise and permanence, an unexpected visit from the past threatens to send her packing once again. Davis and Callie must learn to surrender their fears so they can find a love that will outlast the summer.

My Review:

I love, love, LOVE this book! Can you hear the hallelujah choir singing literary affirmation in the background? Because that's how much I love this book! Callie charmed me and Davis sent me into a tailspin of euphoric hero-worship! I mean, really, an animal whispering veterinarian?! Be still my heart.  And there's a character I really loved to hate...in an unrepentantly venomous way. There are certain times when a reader just needs to be filled with a good fury of righteous indignation on behalf of beloved characters. :-)

Davis and Callie's love story is deliciously romantical but not without complications and angst. Callie might seem like a free spirit but she is bound by a childhood trauma that has shaped her life...and keeps her running from commitment. Davis has suffered unimaginable loss and has his troubled preteen son to consider so he's cautious and pragmatic.

But, oh la la, these two are so good together! They balance each other perfectly. Davis is a steadfast anchor to Callie's embrace-the-moment exuberance. This is storytelling at its finest - the measure of words and descriptions that exactly fit the characteristics of the hero and heroine drew me deeper into their lives. And the title tie-in is superb! I got choked up at one point and cried happy tears at the end.

This inspirational romance ticks all the boxes for me - compelling characters, lots of heart and faith and just enough laughter to bind it all together. Sublime!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A New Shade of Summer, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. 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 Sunday April 29 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Promise of Rayne

GIVEAWAY

DEESE, NICOLE
THE PROMISE OF RAYNE

One forbidden spark will burn loyalties to the ground and ignite a love that won't be contained

Rayne Shelby has spent her entire life trying to earn the approval of her high-powered family, with the hope of one day managing her late grandfather's prestigious Idaho lodge. But when she makes a mistake that puts her future in jeopardy, she faces an impossible choice: defy her family or deny her dream. The only way to fix the mess she's created is to enlist the help of her neighbor, Levi, the apprentice of her family's greatest enemy. And if Rayne gets caught crossing the divided property lines, the consequences will be irreparable.

Levi Harding has never forgotten the August night he shared with Rayne when they were teens -- or the way she later rejected him. Despite his warring instincts, he can't ignore her plea for help or the spark that's ignited between them. But now, as wildfires bear down on their town and family secrets are revealed, their newfound alliance might just go up in smoke.

My Review:

Mercy -- I was so engrossed in this novel that I barely took time to breathe. Toe-curling romance, tummy-tied-in-knots angst, soul-stirring inspiration. The best way to enjoy this story is to totally immerse yourself in it...and don't come up for air until you reach the end!

Rayne captured my heart from the get go even though I wanted to shake some sense into her more than once. But she's a product of her upbringing and, like all of us, her views and opinions have been formed by her family, skewed though they may be. And if that isn't enough, her sense of self-worth relies heavily on what certain family members think about her. And it just seems like she can't do anything right.

Then there's Levi. Free-spirited, hard working and dashingly attractive. He's full of life and laughter and determination. And while he nurses some resentment towards Rayne for rejecting him in the past, there's no denying that she intrigues him in the present. And, oh goodness, does it get complicated! The romantic tension between these two is exquisite. A five fan alert to cope with all that delicious emotional overload.

Deese expertly does a slow-reveal of a past shrouded in mystery. I couldn't read fast enough to get all the facts! Family legacy is at the heart of this story -- how our actions shape the next generation's future. Whether that legacy is formed out of bitterness or forgiveness makes all the difference to the future. Sobering and inspiring.

A deeply satisfying  novel that digs deep. Simply stunning.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Promise of Rayne 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 January 1 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

A Cliche Christmas

GIVEAWAY

DEESE, NICOLE
A CLICHE CHRISTMAS

Georgia Cole -- known in Hollywood as the "Holiday Goddess" -- has made a name for herself writing heartwarming screenplays chock-full of Christmas clichés, but she has yet to experience the true magic of the season. So, when her eccentric grandmother volunteers her to direct a pageant at Georgia's hometown community theater, she is less than thrilled. To make matters worse, she'll be working alongside Weston James, her childhood crush and the one man she has tried desperately to forget.

Now, facing memories of a lonely childhood and the humiliation of her last onstage performance seven years earlier, Georgia is on the verge of a complete mistletoe meltdown. As Weston attempts to thaw the frozen walls around her heart, Georgia endeavors to let go of her fears and give love a second chance. If she does, will she finally believe that Christmas can be more than a cliché?

My Review:

Christmas in July! I thought to lower the intolerable summer temps outside by reading a cool, refreshing winter story but I didn't factor in the delectable romance. Temperatures spiked. So did my heart rate. Snowflake kisses are the best! A delectable holiday romance with heart.

Deese measures humour and angst in even doses and delivers a breathtaking love story worthy of a Hallmark movie. Just like the ones Georgia makes a living writing. Unfortunately, her real love life is the exact opposite...until her grandmother talks her into coming home for the Christmas holidays and she comes face to face with her high school sweetheart.

 There is something so delicious about Weston's steady, deliberate pursuit. They aren't teenagers anymore. Older, but maybe not wiser as far as their feelings for each other are concerned. Such an exquisite love story full of  feisty fighting scenes and snow melting kisses. It isn't long before Georgia and Weston discover that Jesus can work something good out their broken lives.

No need to wait until 'tis the season to enjoy Weston and Georgia's story -- it's perfect for any time of year -- whenever you're in the mood for a toe-curling literary retreat.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  A Cliché 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 July 31 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

A Season to Love

GIVEAWAY

DEESE, NICOLE
A SEASON TO LOVE

At this point in her life, bravery is not a trait Willa Hart would readily claim. She believes her seven-year-old daughter, Savannah, who never knew her father and successfully tackled chemotherapy, is truly the courageous one. Yet after Willa has a fateful encounter with handsome young doctor Patrick McCade, her outlook—and her view of herself—begins to change.

Patrick, a thrill-seeking world traveler and temporary resident of Lenox, Oregon, sets out to show Willa the value of adventure, even within her tiny town. But just when their friendship shows signs of turning into something more, Patrick's life is as a traveling doctor calls him back. Will his last days in town signal the end of their journey, or will Patrick and Willa find the courage to transform a single season into a lifetime?

My Review:

Well, I'm gobsmacked! How did I not know about this author? Miss the first book in the Love in Lennox series? Miss the other novels she has out? I need to finely tune my bibliographic spidey senses -- they're not as sharp as they use to be!

So, it's official, I have a new go-to author after reading this entrancing story. I was plummeted into Willa's angst from the very first page -- and Willa is the queen of angst. With good reason. She's had to deal with multiple major tragedies in her life, not the least of which was nursing her daughter through cancer. Deese manages to capture every emotional nuance and I was tied up in knots for most of the read. Because while little Savannah is all set to live life big, Willa is still clinging to the safety of control.

Patrick is all about seizing the moment -- not looking back or too far ahead. He's done amazing things in his life and intends to do many more. And I might just need to mention right here and now that he is a seriously droolworthy hero. Phew! Not quite sure I can even articulate just why he makes me weak in the knees...I think it's better if you discover him for yourself. And be prepared to enjoy the journey!

The romance is...indescribably sublime. Excuse me as I begin fanning myself as I recollect their charged encounters. Friendship with undercurrents of something much deeper. Goodness, but this story zings.  You'll feel alive, refreshed and ready to conquer your greatest fear by the time you reach the end. (Which comes all too soon, I might add.)

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 I love the way the author embraces this bit of biblical wisdom in A Season to Love. It's repeated over and over again in varying ways with not only the hero and heroine, but with secondary characters as well. It really made an impact on me.

And for readers who are already fans of this series -- you'll be happy to note that Weston and Georgia play a prominent role in this one. I'm deliciously intrigued by the chemistry between these two so I'll definitely be hunting down a copy of A Cliché Christmas.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  A Plain Malice 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 July 17 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!