A Need to Protect

GIVEAWAY

DIETZE, SUSANNE

A NEED TO PROTECT

Protecting them is her priority. Is there room for love?

A safe, quiet life -- that's what shepherdess Clementine Simon wants for her niece and nephew. There's nothing safe or quiet about globe-trotting cameraman Liam Murphy. It's only right that life pulled them in separate directions. But when he returns -- temporarily -- old feelings resurface. Can she take the biggest risk of all...falling in love?

Widow's Peak Creek

My Review:

Safe and quiet versus daredevil life style -- talk about opposites attract! Love the premise for this reunion romance and how it looks at the very real problem of young love between two people who are looking for something very different out of life.

Fast forward a decade or so and Clementine and Liam 'accidentally' meet up again (a certain grandma might have had something to do with that) and they discover that their feelings have matured right along with them, but the same issues are still in the way.

There's so much to love about this contemporary romance! First and foremost, a shepherdess heroine! Love all the parallels to the Good Shepard Dietze brings out in the story. Definitely all about letting go of our fears and trusting God's leading in our lives. Profoundly beautiful.

Plus, there's cute kids, critters galore and a gaggle of secondary characters that will charm your socks off! And humour besides. Even a little bit of a mystery. Plus the kind of slow burn, toe-curling romance that makes my heart sing. In other words, sheer bliss in 217 pages!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy. 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Need to Protect 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 28 2022. Offer open to International Readers.

The Blizzard Bride

GIVEAWAY

DIETZE, SUSANNE
THE BLIZZARD BRIDE

A blizzard changes everything.

Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school...and to execute a task for the government: to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter -- the man who killed her father.

Agent Dashiell Lassiter doesn't want his childhood sweetheart Abby on this dangerous job, especially when he learns the counterfeiter is now searching for his son, too, and he'll destroy anyone in his way. Now Dash must follow Abby to Nebraska to protect her...if she'll let him within two feet of her. She's still angry he didn't fight to marry her six years ago, and he never told her the real reason he left her.

All Dash wants is to protect Abby, but when a horrifying blizzard sweeps over them, can Abby and Dash set aside the pain from their pasts and work to catch a counterfeiter and protect his son -- if they survive the storm?

My Review:

First of all -- there's something about that cover that I absolutely love! Screams 'buy me, read me now!' So I did because I'm an obedient reader like that. :-)

This book delivered so much more than I was anticipating. Don't get me wrong, I knew it was going to be a great read -- hello, Susanne Dietze wrote it! -- but the mystery raised the story to a whole other level. Plus -- reunion romance!!!! Dash is...well, dashing. And misunderstood. Also a bit of a dunderhead when it comes to ending their past relationship. Toe-curling protective too. Happy sigh.

Meanwhile, Abby has been allowing bitterness to brew ever since Dash walked out on her and after significant losses and life challenges, she's turned her back on God as well. As a school teacher, her focus is on her students. As a daughter, her focus is on making her father's murderer pay for his crimes. In order for that to happen she has to work with the man she can never forgive. Phew! This heroine is riddled with inner turmoil.

Cue the angst, add a dash (pun intended) of adventure and the historical great blizzard of 1888 and you get a breathtaking historical romance brimming with faith and forgiveness and the hope of second chances.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Blizzard Bride, 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 May 9 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection

GIVEAWAY

PAGELS, CARRIE FANCETT
VETSCH, ERICA
CHASE, C.J.
DIETZE, SUSANNE
GERLACH, RITA
MAHER, KATHLEEN L.
MEYER, GABRIELLE
RILEY, VANESSA
SEILSTAD, LORNA
THE VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS BRIDES COLLECTION

One Golden Ring by C. J. Chase -- 1855 Devonshire, England -- Wounded soldier Tristram Nowell returns home to indulge his mother's wish for a family Christmas -- and encounters Marianna Granville. Can he forgive the former heiress who jilted him years before?

My Review -- C.J. Chase is a new-to-me author but I'll certainly be hunting down more of her books after reading this exquisite novella. With an Austenish flair, she packs quite the emotional punch in this second chance romance. A delectable read from start to finish.

Star of Wonder by Susanne Dietze - 1875 County Durham, England -- This Yuletide Bennett Hett, Lord Harwood, offers Lady Celeste Sidwell matrimony and the Star of  Wonder diamond necklace, as their fathers arranged. When the diamond disappears, will they find a greater treasure?

My Review -- An arranged marriage and a yuletide mystery -- how fun is that?! Well, maybe not for Bennett and Celeste who are opposed to marriage...until they band together to solve a crime and suddenly perspectives shift and their friendship takes an unexpected turn. Fast-paced and intriguing with a bit of Christmas miracle on the side.

The Holly and the Ivy by Rita Gerlach -- 1900 near Washington DC -- A glass ornament. Love letters tied in red Christmas ribbon. Lily Morningstar and British antiquities expert Andrew Stapleton are drawn into a family secret that binds their hearts together.

My Review: There's something very romantic about beginning a relationship through letters. And although Lily and Andrew have been corresponding for a year, she's reluctant to reveal her identity when they finally meet in person. She's sure her middle class America will clash with his aristocratic British roots. A sweet romance with an unexpected family mystery.

Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher -- 1857, Elmira, New York -- Sarah Ann Winifred overcomes orphanhood apprenticing with pioneering doctors. Rufus Sedgwick , relocating his English estate, seeks help for his ailing mum. Christmas reveals the secret wish of both hearts -- for love.

My Review: Ha! Rufus seems a bit of a stuck up snob when first we meet, but it doesn't take long to uncover the charitable and caring heart beneath that staid British manner. Sarah Ann tries not to be smitten because they are worlds apart but Rufus is used to making things happen his way. Clashing wills and a few missteps later and we're looking at a happily ever after. Sweet romance with a touching message on forgiveness.

A Christmas Promise by Gabrielle Meyer -- 1899 Cambridgeshire, England -- Lady Ashleigh Arrington is hosting a houseful of guests for Christmas when railroad executive Christopher Campbell unexpectedly arrives from America with a mysterious agreement signed by their fathers before their birth.

My Review: Matrimonial minded mamas matchmaking from the grave. How's that for an arranged marriage twist? Animosity sizzles as Ashleigh and Christopher fight to free themselves from the prospect of an unwanted Christmas engagement. But that sizzle soon sparks another kind of fire that might see them walking down the aisle after all. Loved all the sparring and the teasing as these two valiantly attempt to resist the inevitable Christmas miracle.

The Sugarplum Ladies by Carrie Fancett Pagels -- 1867 Windsor, Ontario Canada and Detroit, Michigan -- When Canadian barrister Percy Gladstone finds his aristocratic British family unexpectedly descending upon him for Christmas, he turns to American social reformer Eugenie Mott and her fledgling catering crew for help.

My Review: What a neat surprise to see a little bit of Canada in this novella. A diverse cast of characters on both sides of the border conspire to create lasting Christmas memories. Pagels includes some interesting historical details -- like the Detroit socialites assisting Civil War widows in learning to make a living by catering. That's an aspect of the post-war era I never even thought about. Love when fiction teaches me a lesson -- especially when it comes all wrapped up in romance!

Paper Snowflake Christmas by Vanessa Riley -- 1837 Framlingham, England -- How can widow Ophelia Hanover give her son a perfect Christmas when her guardian, the Earl of Litton, arrives early to take permanent custody of the boy?

My Review: Litton is a boor! I'm all righteously indignant and ready to show him the door and I'm only on the first page! Gah! What an emotionally-charged, heart-wrenching romance! Past misunderstandings lead to present prejudices and it's such a catastrophic mess I wasn't sure how everything would work out. If you like to indulge in a cleansing holiday cry, this is the story for you! (In case you're worried, the hero won me over in the end.)

Father Christmas by Lorna Seilstad -- 1880 Blackpool, England -- Widowed harpist Beatrix Kent believes love can only come once in a lifetime, but this Christmas, carpenter Hugh Sherman hopes to pull on the musician's heartstrings and prove her wrong.

My Review: Oh, I do so like getting steamed on behalf of a heroine and there is one character in this story that I really wanted to throttle on Beatrix's behalf! Hugh in patient (but relentless) pursuit of Bea...thud...the stuff dreams are made of. And the way his attention prompts her awakening from grief and guilt...sublime! That right there was enough to win me over but there's also a cute little girl who needs a mum -- and what better time to get one than at Christmas? 

A Perfect Christmas by Erica Vetsch -- 1881 London, England -- Melisande Verity might be in over her head trying to create the perfect Christmas window display, but if she succeeds, will she finally attract the attention of her boss Gray Garramond?

My Review: Oooohhhh, Mr. Gray, you persnickity upstart, you deserve a lump of coal in your stocking. Maybe two....wait...he's growing on me as Melisande chips away at his Scroogish tendencies. I think he's a keeper after all. Once she's replaced his profit margins and bottom lines for some Christmas joy. Love the nod to Dickens and this story has the same kind of heartwarming, tear-in-your-eye ending too!

Overall Review:

A superb collection of holiday romances that reflect the true meaning of Christmas. The physical book is stunning -- including beveled edges and a gorgeous end page art. Would make a great gift for the discerning reader on your Christmas list...but be sure to buy one for yourself as well!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection, 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 September 2 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

A Mother for His Family

GIVEAWAY

DIETZE, SUSANNE
A MOTHER FOR HIS FAMILY

A Convenient Arrangement

Lady Helena Stanhope's reputation is in tatters...and she's lost any hope for a "respectable" ton marriage. An arranged union is the only solution. But once Helena weds formidable Scottish widower John Gordon, Lord Ardoch, and encounters his four mischievous children, she's determined to help her new, ever-surprising family. Even if she's sure love is too much to ask for.

All John needs is someone to mother his admittedly unruly brood. He never imagined that beautiful Lady Helena would be a woman of irrrresistible spirit, caring and warmth. Or that facing down their pasts would give them so much in common. Now, as danger threatens, John will do whatever it takes to convince Helena their future together -- and his love -- are for always.

My Review:

Five star Regency-Swoon alert! This book is absolutely delectable if you are a Regency fan -- and even if you aren't! Can't really go wrong with a marriage of convenience involving 4 rambunctious children and...drum roll please (or maybe that should be a bagpipe trill)...a formidable Scottish hero! "He said down like doon and his yous were clipped and soft." (p 10).

That jackhammering beat you hear is my heart palpitations having heart palpitations! Cue the fainting couch swoon. Because John is everything you could want in a hero. He's kind. Deeply, honestly, sweetly kind. But it's tempered with a wee bit of broody which turns out to be a delightfully swoony mix. And he's broody because he's really gone off the rails when it comes to what he feels to be responsible commitment. Gah -- what can you do with a stubborn Scot? Hand him over to Lady Helena, that's what.

I was so distraught over Helena's circumstances that I'm sure there was steam coming out of my ears the whole duration of the read (which is a cost-effective way of humidifying your home during these dry winter months, by the way.) But, honestly, she has been so spiritually misguided that I just wanted to weep for her.There are some truly reprehensible scenes that put me in a spitting fury. Luckily John was close by, ready to soothe away my savage spite. That man could charm the loch ness monster out of the loch! So it's no surprise that Helena eventually succumbs. But there's danger and intrigue to sort out before an honest-to-goodness happily ever after can be achieved for all.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Mother for His Family, 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 easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 17 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Reluctant Guardian

GIVEAWAY

DIETZE, SUSANNE
THE RELUCTANT GUARDIAN

Under the spy's protection...

When Gemma Lyfeld inadvertently interrupts a dangerous smuggling operation in her English village, she's rescued by a mysterious Scottish spy. Now with criminals after her and her hopes for an expected marriage proposal recently dashed, she will make her society debut in London. But not without the man tasked with protecting her...

Covert government agent Tavin Knox must keep Gemma safe from the criminals who think she can identify them -- a mission he never wanted. But as he escorts her and her rascally nephews around London, the lovely English lass proves braver than he ever imagined. Suddenly, the spy who works alone has one Season to become the family man he never dreamed he'd be.

My Review:

Squuueaaallll!!! Regency, romance and intrigue all wrapped up together in one splendiferous story! I'm swoony and giddy and heart-palpitating over it all. Handsome, brooding hero who adopts his Scottish brogue when his emotions are deeply stirred. Be still my heart and scrape me off the floor! Phew! And his lady love also known as the irksome woman he has been charged with protecting. An independent heroine with a compassionate heart. Banter galore (and we all know how much I love witty dialogue -- especially in a Regency!) Intrigue and danger and a sweet faith thread about the true meaning of grace. It just doesn't get any better. Really.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Reluctant Guardian please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you post a comment and add your email address please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 12 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Austen in Austin

GIVEAWAY

DIETZE, SUSANNE
DRAPER, ANITA MAE
MARVIN, DEBRA E.
WELBORN, GINA
AUSTEN IN AUSTIN

Discover four heroines in historical Austin, Texas, as they find love -- Jane Austen style.

If I Loved You Less by Gina Welborn -- based on Emma -- A prideful matchmaker examines her own heart when her protégé falls for the wrong suitor.

Romantic Refinements by Anita Mae Draper -- based on Sense and Sensibility -- A misguided academy graduate spends the summer falling in love...twice.

One Word From You by Susanne Dietze -- based on Pride and Prejudice -- A down-on-her-luck journalist finds the story of her dreams but her prejudice may cost her true love...and her career.

Alarmingly Charming by Debra E. Marvin -- based on Northanger Abbey -- A timid gothic-dime-novel enthusiast tries to solve the mystery of a haunted cemetery and, even more shocking, why two equally charming suitors compete for her attention.

My Review:

Jane Austen fans will delight in these Westernized versions of her classic tales. Love how the authors incorporated familiar elements into a Texas locale.

If I Loved You Less by Gina Welborn -- based on Emma -- Noah is a swoonworthy, long-suffering hero. He has to be with Emmeline for a friend! I wanted to box her ears a time or two just to get her to stop talking and listen for once!!!! Pride gets in the way of her matchmaking schemes, and more importantly, nearly costs her own chance at a perfect match.

Romantic Refinements by Anita Mae Draper -- based on Sense and Sensibility -- Oh, foolish girl, Miss Marion McDermott! A story about the foibles of misguided youth though Marion is a likeable heroine who does some growing during the course of this novella. Brandon makes the perfect brooding hero, hovering in the background yet always there when Marion needs a hero. Their love story kept me riveted and I had to consume Romantic Refinements in one gulp! It's that delicious.

One Word From You by Susanne Dietze -- based on Pride and Prejudice -- A delightful nod to this timeless classic. Eliza and Will make the perfect sparring pair, their relationship (or lack thereof) a humourous mix of pride and prejudice. Leaping to wrong conclusions and impulsively judgmental, these two deserve each other. LOL. A fun, quick read for the P andP connoisseur.

Alarmingly Charming by Debra E. Marvin -- based on Northanger Abbey -- A timid, bespectacled bookworm with the heart of a lion and a gallant rancher who puts her dime-novel cowboys to shame.
Clever and witty and so much fun to read. Sweet romance, no shortage of emotional angst and a blockbuster ending. Perfection.

My thanks to the authors and publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Austen in Austin 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 March 27 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!