Kav's Best Reads

The Bachelor Spy + Giveaway

Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake’s life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1915 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?

My Review:

Well, I’m kind of gutted that it’s all over now though, as far as series conclusions go, this one is brilliant. All the action and intrigue we’ve come to expect from Freddie and Grace, only we’re getting Stephen’s story as well. And oh my goodness, that opening scene – jaw dropping. I didn’t know how he’d ever come back from that!

Fast forward a few months and Stephen turns up at Havensbrooke Hall which has been turned into a convalescent hospital. I found parts of this story heartbreaking because of the war setting. For four books I’ve been glorying in Freddie and Grace’s happily ever after, adventurous though it may be. But now war has raised its ugly head and Freddie is called to serve and Grace is manage heart and home and a hospital that might also contain a German spy.

Basham does a wonderful job of infusing warmth and humour in among the more dire plot points. Grace’s bookish musings are just as delightful and Stephen’s romance is…unorthodox! Lots of page-turning goodness to keep a reader fixated on the story until the kind of humorous/tender conclusion Basham is known for. Happy, happy sigh. Definitely a series I will revisit again.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Bachelor Spy, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 22 2026.

Autumn on My Mind + Giveaway

What happens when two exes find out their parents are dating?

When Reese and Dominic secretly dated and then broke up years ago, they knew they’d have to see each other again. They were from the same small town of Autumn Ridge, Vermont. Their families still lived there. It was inevitable.

What Reese didn’t expect was to see Dominic across the table from her, being introduced as the son of her mother’s latest boyfriend.

Dom and Reese can be exes. They can be neighbors. They could even maybe someday be friends. What they cannot be is siblings.

But Reese’s mother has her eyes on the prize, and she’s not walking away without a ring on her finger. So even though part of Reese’s heart still hurts from the past they share, she and Dominic agree to team up and separate their parents.

Spying? A necessity. Sneaking around? Obviously. And sabotage? Well…never say never.

But the further apart they attempt to push their parents, the closer Reese and Dom get—until the lines between past and present begin to blur, and they find themselves with the stickiest conundrum of owning the truth of what really happened between them…and deciding if their love deserves a second chance.

My Review:

Fun and flirty with enough emotional depth to keep things interesting.

Gracie Ruth Mitchell is one of my read-to-zero authors this year so I want to keep current with her books even as I play catchup with her backlist. Thrilled to find the book available in audio format, especially since narrator Ellen Quay’s performance is spot on for the story. She captures Reese’s personality perfectly and has a wonderful sense of timing when it comes to delivering playful banter and comedic moments.

The second chance, kinda enemies to more mix of tropes made a fun springboard for the romance. I could feel the tension simmering between Dom and Reese in every scene. Lots of sizzling sparks in the background just waiting to burst into flames. Deliciously romantical even during the awkward bits, of which there are many. Mitchell does a great job balancing witty banter with the occasional slapstick comedy action and, even if there were a couple of eye-rolling scenes, I was still invested in their shenanigans while I impatiently waited for them to see the light. And, oh my, when they finally do, toe-curling kisses ensue!

The author has really captured the essence of Fall throughout the story which added a sense of nostalgia for me since Autumn is my favourite season and Mitchell delivers it all here – the tastes and smells – the whole atmosphere really – and that made for a wonderfully cozy setting.

Heartwarming, emotionally satisfying and just a little bit zany, ‘Autumn on My Mind’ makes an ideal seasonal read (or listen) for fans of Closed Door Romance with a lot of heart.

Of note: This is the second book in the multi-authored ‘Falling for Autumn’ series but can easily be read as a standalone. All the books take place in the same small town during the same time frame so there are some character overlapping but not in a way that would confuse a reader. I read this book first and then immediately bought a copy of book #1 which I’m reading now. I’m excited to keep current with this series as I get ready to celebrate my favourite season of all!

My thanks to the author and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Autumn on My Mind, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 22 2026.

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Debut Novel + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

They are awards given out by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in recognition of outstanding Christian fiction in the previous calendar year. So these 2026 finalists are books published in 2025. You might have read them already, you might not. I’ll include links to books I’ve read and reviewed.

Carol Award Winners will be announced on August 29 2026 at the ACFW Gala in Memphis, Tennessee’s (wouldn’t you love to be there?!)

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Debut Category you would like to receive. Mention the title in your comment (or an email if you’re entering that way) and if you win, that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

Giveaway details may vary with each book (print, ebook only or winner’s choice of either, plus audible options for Canadians.) Edition availability will be noted in bold after the title/author/publisher of each entry. ALSO NOTE: Giveaway is for US and Canada OR ebook international if you have US Kindle account.

Debut Novel Finalists

To Have and to Hold by Deb L. Brown – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

When life doesn’t go according to plan, perfectionist Amelia must trade control for faith—and find joy in the beautiful mess of becoming a mother.

To Have and to Hold is a contemporary Christian novel that weaves heartache, humor, and hope into the unpredictable journey toward parenthood. Amelia Greathouse is a meticulous event planner who thrives on structure, checklists, and perfection. She wants to have it all—marriage, a career, and a family. Her husband, Melvin, is a creative museum curator with a spontaneous streak that keeps her grounded—and sometimes off balance. Together, they make a loving but unlikely pair.

When infertility turns their plans upside down, their marriage and faith are pushed to the brink. From invasive treatments to a devastating miscarriage, Amelia’s pursuit of motherhood becomes all-consuming. As she supports her best friend’s pregnancy and silently compares herself to the chaotic moms around her, she feels increasingly broken and alone. At work, a major opportunity tempts her to prove her worth—but at what cost?

Just as joy seems within reach, a heartbreaking setback threatens to unravel everything. Told with warmth and wit, To Have and to Hold explores the tension between striving and surrender, and the power of faith to carry us through life’s detours—toward the family we never expected but were meant to have.

Tattooed Woman at the Well by Terri McAdoo -Redemption Press – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

A tale of revenge, resilience, and redemption awaits in Terri McAdoo’s Tattooed Woman at the Well.Step into the world of Bleu Yarbro, a tough-as-nails truck driver on a mission to right the wrongs of her past.

Across America’s highways, Bleu navigates an unpredictable landscape of bullies, thugs, and heartache. Her only solace is the rooftop garden where she grows irises in memory of her beloved grandpa. But as Bleu’s quest for vengeance consumes her, she must confront the ultimate Will she rise above revenge or sink under its weight?

Buckle up for a fun and dangerous ride through the world of truck driving, tattooing, and temptation. With unlikely heroes and despicable villains at every turn, Tattooed Woman at the Well will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Can Bleu find redemption on the open road, or will her past catch up with her? Click the BUY NOW button and join Bleu on her unforgettable journey today. Fans of gritty, character-driven novels won’t want to miss this stunning debut from award-winning author Terri McAdoo.

The Tragedy of Old Ricker by Phillip Snyder – Living Tome Publishing – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

A Stražar’s life has never been easy — each day they delve into an enchanted forest that is bent on devouring everything within. Oli has been one of the last Stražar since watching his father die, barely scraping by a living for him and his sister. But everything changes when Léonie Baudelaire arrives, convinced that the kingdom’s only chance of surviving an enemy invasion lies at the heart of that forest. She hires Oli to guide her to the forest’s depths, giving him a chance to earn enough coin to change his life forever.

But everything is more dangerous than it seems.

Can Oli survive the depths of the forest and relive his past traumas? And when the invading army following Léonie arrives, Oli’s sister — Layla — must survive being thrust into a world of violence and death.

Here, in the world of La’Azurus, even the prayed for salvation may become the world’s doom.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 22 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

Conversations With Kav – Blog update and a bit of bookish whimsy

Can you believe we are already halfway through August? Fall will be here in just a few weeks and since the weather has mercifully cooled down (for now) I find myself hit by the strong urge to deep clean and organize. Anyone else get hit by the seasonal housekeeping bug? 🙂

Good news – since I just moved, everything is already organized to the nth degree and my wee little abode is easy to keep tidy so my cleaning frenzy lasted all of an hour. 🙂 But then I thought this is a good time for some blog housekeeping too, especially since we have some new followers. So, just a few reminders and possible changes:

Claiming Your Book Win

If you haven’t left your email address in your comment it is up to you to contact me with your information. If you have left an email and you haven’t heard from me by mid-week after the winner announcements are posted, please do contact me. Sometimes my email goes to spam, or I’ve typed it wrong or I’ve completely forgotten to send the notifications. That happened a lot this summer because of the move, but I’m getting back on track now. Hopefully. You have one month from the date of the winner announcements to claim your win.

How do I select the winners?

It’s truly as random as I can make it. I enter everyone’s name in a random wheel of names spinner wheel, then I shuffle the board before spinning to get the winner. It looks like this:

You can enter as many giveaways a week as you want. I make a separate wheel for each book. And yes, it’s possible to win a book two weeks in a row if that’s the way the wheel rolls.

Check Giveaway Details

Yes, offers change with every title. Editions can even vary depending on where you live. Details are noted in red under the ‘Giveaway Opportunity’ heading and divided by US, Canada and International. The same book might not be available in all editions depending on location. For instance I can only do audible giveaways for Canada. It’s all rather complicated but I’ve tried to simplify things as much as possible.

Re: Giveaways

Not every review I feature will include a giveaway. Check for the addition of ‘+giveaway’ after the book title (which is also the blog title.) So, a giveaway day will look like this: Jane Eyre + Giveaway. You’ll also see the the Giveaway Opportunity section in blue (and red) with all the details.

Due to rising prices and gas surcharges there might be a reduction in print giveaways and international shipping might have to drop to surface mail. Things are constantly changing so I’m playing it by ear but I do know the post office has a fluctuating gas price added to their shipping fee. It all depends on weight and distance etc.

I’ll still be reviewing five books a week and will continue to host as many giveaways as I can.

And now for a bit of bookish whimsy

As you know I am quite enamoured with my new neighbourhood. Tons of walking options in a historical part of town and I do love old houses! Anyway, I happened to be trying out a new walking path while listening to “The Lost Story of Via Belle” by Melanie Dobson and I turned a corner and came upon this:

Eeeepppp!!! That’s the house from the book! Honestly, if you’ve read the book, doesn’t that look like Olivia’s house? Complete with turret room?! What a fantastic bookish wonder! To come across that house as I was listening to that particular book!

Well, that sparked my imagination and I started make book/house connections or making up story starters to fit some of the beautiful architecture I come across every day on my walks. And I thought I’d share some of them here, (yes, I know that’s weird, but, really, are you in any way surprised?)

A modern house that backs onto an inlet. So many possibilities but I’ll go with a romantic suspense. The heroine is house sitting for her boss. It’s a hot summer night and she’s lounging on the deck with all the lights off enjoying the hint of a breeze when suddenly, she spies a dark figure in the park on the other side of the water…dragging something….and then, splash, a body shaped object starts to sink under the water. She gasps and straightens up to get a better look which sets off the motion detector lights and attracts the attention of the dark figure standing at the edge of the water….Bwahahahaha!

Rom/Com / Mystery. The heroine inherits a fixer upper that might just be haunted.

Historical: tenement housing for Irish Immigrants. Forbidden love between our Catholic heroine and her Protestant hero.

Contemporary Romance: Enemies to More – They are both pitching ideas to the city to repurpose a historical landmark church. She wants to create a community arts centre. He wants to convert it into luxury loft apartments.

This gorgeous apartment building is on my walk to the grocery store. Reminds me of the ‘Magic in the Building’ multi-authored series and Eryn Scott’s ‘Murder at the Morrisey Mystery’ series

Okay, true confession time: do any of you make up stories about the houses that strike your fancy on your walks (or drives?) Or see a house that exactly matches a fictional one you’re read about? Or is that just me?

August Giveaway – Week Three

Winners will be contacted if they left their email address, otherwise it’s up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca (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!

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:

Sunday

Conversations with Kav – a place for us to chat about bookish topics if anyone is so inclined. Sometimes there will be giveaways, sometimes there won’t. It will just depend on the topic of the day. Hope to see you there! Otherwise my inner book nerd and I will carry on by ourselves. Bwahaha!

Monday

Carol Awards – Debut – Yes, it’s that time again. What are the Carol Awards, you ask? They are awards given out by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in recognition of outstanding Christian fiction in the previous calendar year. We’ll be looking at the finalists for each category every Monday through the summer. I’ll share the book titles and you get to choose the one you’d like to win if your name is drawn.

Murder in Blackfriars

In Victorian London, valiant cook and amateur sleuth Kat Holloway must help the man she loves solve the murder that will finally uncover his mysterious past, from the New York Times bestselling author of A Silence in Belgrave Square.

Kat Holloway’s beau, Daniel McAdam, has always had a past shrouded in mystery. He knows nothing about his origins, only that a kind man rescued him from the streets all those years ago. So when a man claiming he knows where Daniel comes from turns up dead moments before meeting with them, Daniel goes on the hunt for the killer. It soon becomes clear that to see justice served, Daniel will have to figure out who he truly is and where he came from. When Daniel asks Kat for her assistance, she readily complies, knowing she’ll do whatever it takes to protect the man she’s come to love.

The quest takes Kat and Daniel deep into the East End, where they face dangerous foes from Daniel’s rugged past, many of whom aren’t happy that Daniel now works with the police and will stop at nothing to keep Kat and Daniel from uncovering their secrets. As Kat begins to learn things about

Daniel’s history she’s not certain she wants to know, she fears that the darkest secret—his true name and lineage—will tear apart the tender bonds they’ve begun to form.

My Review:

This is one of my favourite historical mystery series. Kat’s no-nonsense approach to any dilemma stands her in good stead when amateur sleuthing is required. As does her courage and compassion. There’s also some tender poignancy in this ninth ‘Below Stairs Mystery’ as Kat grapples with a personal challenge that tugged at my heartstrings!

And then there’s Daniel. Swoony sigh. We finally get some answers about his mysterious back story and it was agonizing and riveting! Love the way the author weaves so many intricate details together to form a compelling plot full of intrigue and danger…and, of course, romance!

And I’m just as enamoured with the cast of secondary characters who are so well developed that I remember everything about them from one book to the next. Keeps me hoping for many more books to come because we need to get everybody sorted!

Side note: This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order. There is so much character development and back story plots that carry over from book to book. Relationships too. A reader will get so much more out each story by starting at the very beginning. Well worth playing catch-up!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Murder in Blackfriars’ and while I appreciated Kymberley Cochrane’s performance, I was a wee bit disappointed to see the change in narrators this late in the series. Funny, how my mind associates a certain voice with these characters even if it’s been months since I last heard them. So, it took a bit of adjustment in the beginning but I soon warmed to this new narrator’s style and her interpretation of these beloved characters.

My thanks to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

The Lumberjack From the Cabin Next Door + Giveaway

Welcome to Maple Bay—where bucket lists are sacred, small-town gossip travels at Wi-Fi speed, and your next-door neighbor might just ruin your plans in the most inconveniently charming way possible.

Kate only came back to Maple Bay for two

Handle her late Aunt June’s will.

Leave again before anyone ropes her into some quaint, small-town matchmaking scheme.

But June’s “Not-So-Ordinary Bucket List” has other ideas. Written in floral stationery (coffee stains included), it’s full of items like dance under the stars, try a maple bacon donut, and kiss someone who makes you laugh. Kate’s convinced she can speed-run the list, check every box, and get back to her big-city life—without getting attached.

Enter Harper—the bakery owner with a crown of blonde curls, the matchmaking instincts of a rom-com best friend, and a habit of stealing Kate’s phone to save her number under names like Muffin Dealer / Life Coach. And then there’s Eli—Kate’s gruff, flannel-wearing neighbor who’s supposed to be a lumberjack but somehow also… sketches like an illustrator and flies planes for a reclusive billionaire.

The more Kate gets tangled in June’s list—and the more breakfasts, donuts, and accidental heart-to-hearts she shares with Eli—the harder it is to keep her walls intact. But when her estranged mother shows up with plans to help her sell the cabin, Kate has to decide if she’s willing to fight for the roots she never meant to grow… and for the man who somehow ended up starring in her next novel.

Filled with laugh-out-loud banter, faith woven in the cracks, and a romance sweeter than Harper’s cinnamon rolls, this small-town romantic comedy is about finding home in the last place you expected—and choosing to stay there.

My Review:

Well, this was totally unexpected. I mean, the book came highly recommended by a reader I trust so I knew I’d enjoy it…I just wasn’t prepared for the impact it made on me. Like being smothered in a big old bookish hug that squashed the stuffing out of me! 🙂

Because my emotions were immediately engaged despite, or maybe because, of all the hilarity. Rom/com brilliance cloaked in clever storytelling and descriptive phrasing that zings. “The trail started sweet – flat and pine-needly and very “look at me, I’m nature” – and then immediately decided to impersonate a StairMaster invented by a personal trainer with unresolved issues.”

This book was a delight to read and my copy is now mired in tabs to mark the passages I knew I would want to revisit. Colour coded even, for inspirational, snippets of wisdom, romantical and good old snazzy zingers. First time I’ve ever annotated a fiction book but the phrasing was just too luscious not to!

So, the comedy part of the story is vibrantly descriptive and full of rapid fire banter that’s laugh out loud funny. But there’s a quieter side too because Kate is on a “scavenger hunt for grace” that totally transforms this book into something much more than a rom/com.

It’s about grieving loss and finding faith; reconciliation and forgiveness. It’s messy and awkward and just a little bit heartbreaking. But hopeful too. Because Kate’s Aunt June’s wisdom lives on in her well worn bible, her written words and the memories kept alive by the people who loved her.

“June told me once that forgiveness never starts with can. It starts with can’t. You tell God you can’t do it, and He doesn’t argue. He helps.”

And the romance…oh my! Slow burn. Patient. Gentle. Expectant. Eli is the epitome of book boyfriend material. My toes haven’t quite uncurled all the way yet, but that might be because I keep revisiting the swoony bits.

“The Lumberjack From the Cabin Next Door” is my first Emily Hampton book, but it definitely won’t be my last! On the hunt for her backlist now!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Lumberjack From the Cabin Next Door, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 15 2026.

Last Chance Hero + Giveaway

random retro reread

The inhabitants of Last Chance, New Mexico, could not be more pleased. Dr. Jessica McLeod has opened an office right on Main Street. Andy Ryan, the best athlete the little town ever produced, has ended his short career in the NFL and has come home to coach the mighty Pumas of Last Chance High. Unfortunately, Dr. Jess immediately gets off on the wrong foot when she admits that she’s never seen a football game, isn’t really interested in doing so, and, in fact, doesn’t know a first down from a home run. Meanwhile, Coach Ryan is discovering that it’s not easy to balance atop the pedestal the town has put him on. When this unlikely pair is drawn together over the future of a young player–whose gifts may lie in the laboratory rather than on the football field–they begin to wonder if they might have a future together as well.

My Review:

published in 2015

A heartwarming conclusion to the A Place to Call Home series though, rest assured, you don’t need to read the other books to enjoy this one, though I got a kick out of stepping back into Last Chance and renewing acquaintances with some beloved quirky characters..

Full disclosure: I am not a football fan. At all. Know nothing about it. Don’t want to and yet, I not only read a book where football was practically a secondary character , I enjoyed it! It might have helped that the heroine is likeminded so it was easy to cheer Jessica on. We bonded over our lack of interest in this crazy sport that takes over the nation every year. So many funny scenes as residents realize that Jess really doesn’t know a thing about the game. And worse — she doesn’t want to. Scandalous!

So of course the hero is a former NFL player and the high school football coach who can’t comprehend anyone not loving the sport. I won’t hold that against Andy though because he’s kind-hearted and chivalrous and well…kind of a hunk. His small-town friendly doesn’t quite jive with Jessica’s big city reserve. Great learning curve for both of them as they adjust to their differences.

A sweet romance with a whole lot of small-town heart.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

International Giveaway! – I have a gently read copy of this book which I will mail to any reader anywhere in the world, so, yay! International Giveaway! (it’s been a while!)v

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Last Chance Hero leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 8 2026

Twilight Tactics

FBI agent Collin Sullivan arrives at Broken Chains Ranch with Ollie Callahan–a foster teen and sole witness to a mob hit. The ranch, started by Collin’s cousin to provide a trauma recovery facility for veterans, should be a place he can keep Ollie safe until the trial. But what was meant as a peaceful haven becomes a battleground when armed attackers surround the property.

Survival expert Elena Thompson teaches wilderness skills at the ranch and coaches Ollie in self-defense, but soon the series of attacks on the ranch escalates into a full siege. The question is, Who are the attackers after? Ollie, the young witness? Or Elena, with her mysterious past? Cut off from help by tech skills superior to their own, Collin and Elena fight to keep everyone alive as secrets and danger close in.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason presents an action-packed start to a new series with twists and turns readers will never see coming.

My Review:

I’m gobsmacked. The way Eason builds the suspense throughout this book is phenomenal! So many intriguing elements and Elena’s backstory is a huge component of the plot that adds even more compelling layers. And the way Collin and Elena’s worlds collide increases the over all thrill of the read.

Argh, there’s so much I want to say but won’t for fear of spoilers but I know that if I mentioned just one of things I want to talk about, so many readers would flock to this story! But I won’t, ’cause that isn’t revealed in the book blurb. Picture me writhing in the bibliophile agony of wanting to share a favourite part of the book but unable to because there are people close by who haven’t read it yet. Excruciating!

We’re also given a third point of view, young witness in need of protection Ollie, who brings some youthful zest and poignant moments to the story. Honestly, the way this all plays out is absolute perfection. From connecting with the characters (and me yearning for their romance) to puzzling out the mysteries (yes there is more than one) and all the action scenes. Simply stunning! And if that wasn’t enough, the heartwarming celebration of grace seals the deal. Eason at her absolute best.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Twilight Tactics’ and thoroughly enjoyed Emma Faye’s narration. She brought the story to life with her emotional performance. I hung on every word. Made for a compulsive listening experience.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – print or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Twilight Tactics, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 15 2026.

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Young Adult + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

Carol Award Winners will be announced on August 29 2026 at the ACFW Gala in Memphis, Tennessee (wouldn’t you love to be there?!)

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Young Adult Category you would like to receive. Mention the title in your comment (or an email if you’re entering that way) and if you win, that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

Young Adult Finalists

Sanctified (Legacy Chapters, book 3) by V. Romas Burton – Quill and Flame Publishing – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

All Ida Shabawn ever wanted was a place to belong. After being sent to the Fortress, she thought she found a place to call home. But once her friends start being sent on secret missions, Ida finds herself, once again, alone.

However, after the Battle of Edo, Ida is sent on her own covert mission to the place she was meant to go all Vlacklear Academy.

But things are not as they seem at the prestigious school. With the academy’s strange rules, horrific Assemblies and adamant suitors, Ida isn’t sure she will be able to complete her mission alive.

This Isn’t Shakespeare by Stephanie Cartel – Woodcraft Press – Giveaway Option: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with US Kindle account.

To be or not to be…a professional dancer. Seventeen-year-old Madison is a hopeless romantic who loves quoting Shakespeare and dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer—a dream she hides, afraid of disappointing her mom and her boyfriend. But when her dreams fall apart, she believes it’s a sign from God that she should commit to her boyfriend and make a new dream.

When she realizes God wouldn’t give her a sign that points her to sin, the happily-ever-after she’s planned crumbles. Now Madison must confront the lies she’s told herself and all the red flags she’s ignored. In the process, she begins to understand that seeking God’s will may not lead to a perfectly scripted ending—but it might just lead to something real.

Truth Cursed by Angie Dickerson – Enclave Escape – Giveaway Options: US – print or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Cressida Hoth is alone in the world. Orphaned and unwanted, she is inflicted with a peculiar curse by her mischievous aunts and banished to a finishing school in the secluded kingdom of Dernmont. Students train in every accomplishment suitable for young music, dancing, etiquette . . . and strangely, poison-making, fencing, and lock-picking.

The school is a front for a rebel spy ring, and when her training is complete, Cressida is selected to join a mission to infiltrate the kingdom’s royal court. She has been thrown unceremoniously into a world of ball gowns and espionage, but she is still under a curse, and it threatens to expose them all.

Defending her teammates and her secret, Cressida discovers that the kingdom’s buried history and the truth behind her curse run far deeper than she imagined.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 15 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK