Kav's Best Reads

Conversations With Kav – Amish Fiction, Yay or Nay? + Giveaway

Did you know that this is Amish in April month? It’s an annual booktube challenge that encourages readers to explore the many facets of Amish fiction. From prim and proper sweet romances to edgier general market thrillers, there’s something for everyone. You’ll notice more Amish fiction on the blog this month as I celebrate the genre with some well-loved re-reads as well as new-to-me stories.

I used to read a lot more Amish Fiction though my consumption has unintentionally tapered off over the last few years. I’ve been trying to figure out why and this is what I’ve come up with so far:

Repetitive plot lines, especially in the romance category. Which is strange, because the same could be said of contemporary romance or historical romance. Maybe it’s because Amish fiction is limited somewhat because of the nature of the culture and lifestyle?
There seems to be fewer Amish novels being released by Christian publishers so choices are limited and/or they don’t seem to get a huge online presence (at least not in my sphere of the internet) so I’m missing them.
I’ve noticed more general market publishers picking up Amish fiction BUT it feels like they don’t give the same research and care with authenticity and that really irks me. I’ve picked up many an Amish paperback from the library only to be disappointed with all the major errors I come across. It’s like the authors are just playing dress up with regular contemporary heroes and heroines. Slap on an apron or suspenders and call them Amish. Seriously, I read an Amish romance where wedding plans were being made and the bride to be was deciding on bridesmaids dresses, flower arrangements, decorating the chapel (she was Old Order Amish!) etc. Oh, and getting the bridal party’s nails done professionally! Whhhhhaaaaattttt???? I was so disillusioned and I think those ‘surface’ Amish books put me off the genre.

The kind of Amish Fiction I like to read has:

Humour. I think of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Stoney Ridge series and all the spinoffs! Some of those characters are a hoot and the situations her younger characters get into are so much fun!
Mystery. I really love a mix of Amish and Mystery especially cozy mysteries.And the Amish adjacent ones are really intriguing. That’s where the main characters aren’t Amish but the story is set in an Amish community and there are lots of Amish secondary characters. Amanda Flowers, Isabelle Alan, Emma Miller and Laura Bradford have written some great series.
History. There aren’t many historical Amish novels out there but I have been intrigued by the ones I have read. Jan Drexler has written two fantastic historical series.
Dysfunction. Complicated family dynamics and the way issues are dealt with (or not dealt with) in a community. Tons of storytelling fodder there! Instead of the cliche ‘perfect’ Amish family all the time. Shelley Shepard Gray is an author who excels at this kind of story.

And now I have questions!

Are you a fan of Amish fiction?
Why or why not?
If your interest has waned, why?
What kind of themes do you like to see in your Amish Fiction?
Favourite authors of Amish Fiction?

Important Bonus Question:

Do you have any recommendations for independently published Amish fiction authors? Please and thank you!

Giveaway Opportunity:

Share your thoughts/answer a question or two in the comments and you will be entered in a draw for:

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 18 2026

April Giveaway – Week Two

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 THE REST OF THE YEAR:

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!

B is for Bonnet

In this heartwarming and inspiring new series from the beloved New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, four English-raised siblings take a genuine leap of faith when they return to their grandparents’ rural Ohio community with a plan to become Amish—and one by one, discover more about themselves, and about love, than they ever expected. For fans of Amish romance and wholesome fiction.

Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can’t wait to reinvent their lives. The four don’t have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their Old Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn’t be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .

When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it’s past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he’s instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Hershberger, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can’t seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?

A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she’s got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she’s even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .

Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.

My Review:

Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my favourite Amish fiction storytellers. I love the complexities in her characters and the family dynamics she creates that are so relatable. She’s all about redeeming dysfunction and I find that so inspiring.

This series centres around four siblings who have had an unorthodox upbringing with borderline negligent, definitely emotionally detached parents. Their one constant and only security during their childhood was the summers they spent on their grandparent’s farm – their Amish grandparents.

Fast forward a decade or so and we find Martin, Kelsey, Beth and Jonny making an unusual pact. They’re ready (or so they think) to leave their complicated ‘English’ lives behind for the simple pleasures of plain living. Naturally, it’s not that simple and each book will feature a different sibling.

This time it’s Jonny’s turn. He is trying to come to grips with a concerning potential medical condition at the same time that he’s transitioning to Amish life. Living with his grandparents is both a blessing and a trial which makes for some entertaining reading.

And then there’s the whole falling for the local cafe owner that complicates Jonny’s life even more. Seems like tracking his progress with Treva has become the favourite topic of the community grapevine which is both funny and frustrating. Their two steps forward, one step back romance is both hindered and helped by well-meaning bystanders.

There’s also a secondary plot featuring Jonny’s somewhat estranged father. I love the way the author used him to weave themes of redemption and forgiveness into the story.

As with the first book in the series, this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger which sets the stage for ‘C is for Courting’ which means I’ll be back for a visit to the Schrock farm soon!

Harbor Pointe + Giveaway

As a principal dancer with a prestigious New York ballet company, Devyn Lee is far from her hometown of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. But when a family emergency compels her to return, her visit turns into an extended stay after complications arise.

Widowed millworker Aaron Steele pays no attention to the buzz in Hope Harbor about the famous dancer in town. Until his grieving ten-year-old daughter takes a fancy to Devyn after she agrees to help with a fundraising show for a local charity in which the young girl is performing. As the show–and Devyn–begin to lift his daughter’s spirits, his own life is brightened by the beautiful ballerina as she slowly but surely captures his heart.

But what are the odds that such an accomplished, polished woman from the city could ever fall for a small-town lumberman with two left feet?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon once again transports readers to the irresistible beauty and romance of the beloved coastal small town of Hope Harbor.

My Review:

No matter how hard I try, my visit to Hope Harbor never lasts long enough.I try to draw things out by savouring every scene and completely immersing myself in this fictional world but that just heightens my need to find out what happens next and before I know it I’m compulsively devouring the whole thing in one sitting. Satisfying and yet also unsatisfying because I’m left wanting more! So now I’m experiencing the ‘finished-my-book-too-fast-blues.’ Makes me feel quite Eeyorish.

But also Tiggerish as I giddily reflect on these characters and their stories and get to visit some of my favourite Hope Harbour haunts and soak up town sage Charley’s insightful perceptions. And then there’s me thrilling over cameos from fave characters from past books while relishing the beautiful brilliance of heartfelt storytelling paired with exquisite narration because, of course, I listened to the audible edition.

What an epic team Irene Hannon and Therese Plummer make. Plummer’s performance presents these characters at their very best which makes me love them all the more. I treasure each and every one of my Hope Harbor audiobooks and know I will revisit this town and these special friends over and over again.

So, you might have guessed that I am a tad enamoured with this whole series and this twelfth (!) book does justice to the eleven that came before. Hannon’s talent for building community, helping characters face hard truths and finding solace and support in unlikely places is highlighted in this book. We get multiple points of view, a secondary romance and a look at how restoration can lead to unexpected new beginnnings. So uplifting!

Oh – and in case you haven’t visited Hope Harbor yet (gasp!) Harbor Pointe (brilliant, brilliant title tie in. Eeeeeeppp! So clever) reads perfectly fine as a standalone. Mind you, once you set foot (or eyeballs?) in/on the town just one visit won’t be enough and you’ll find yourself backtracking to catch up. It’s that splendiferous of a series! 🙂

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Harbor Pointe, 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 April 11 2026

Garden of Her Heart + Giveaway

random retro read

Can forbidden love amid the constraints of war?

A sweet World War II romance from USA Today best-selling Author Shanna Hatfield.

The moment the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, life shifted for Miko Nishimura. Desperate to reach the Portland Assembly Center for Japanese Americans, she’s kicked off the bus miles from town. Every tick of the clock pushes her closer to becoming a fugitive in the land of her birth. Exhausted, she stumbles to her grandparents’ abandoned farm only to find a dying soldier sprawled across the step. Unable to leave him, she forsakes all else to keep him alive.

After crashing his plane in the Battle of the Atlantic, the doctors condemn Captain Rock Laroux to die. Determined to meet his maker beneath a blue sky at his family home, he sneaks out of the hospital. Weary and half out of his mind, he makes it as far as a produce stand he remembers from his youth. Rather than surrender to death, Rock fights a battle of the heart as he falls in love with the beautiful Japanese woman who saves his life.

A poignant, sweet romance, Garden of Her Heart proves love can bloom in unlikely places, even under the most challenging circumstances.

My Review:

published in 2016

This tender and poignant love story made for an emotional read. From Miko’s heart wrenching opening scene to Rock’s equally tumultuous introduction, I was engaged and invested and committed to them both.

And, oh my, their journey highlights both the best and the worst humanity has to offer at a time when the whole world was on edge. The historical details of wartime America are enthralling (and infuriating) but the haven Miko and Rock manage to create in the midst of the chaos is utterly captivating.

His brash confidence balances her shy reticence as their two worlds merge into something unique. And forbidden. The gardener in me rejoiced in the familiar rhythm of planting and harvesting and finding hope in God’s bounty. Miko and Rock grow closer as they work together even as the harsh realities of America at war threaten everything they hold dear.

A cast of secondary characters including a devious interloper as well as a rambunctious nine-year-old neighbour add extra zest to this sweet romance. Still grinning over Petey’s colourful turns of phrase and his high energy antics.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition narrated by Michael Rahhal who did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. A stunning performance for a stunning story!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Garden of Her Heart, 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 April 11 2026

Searching the Truth + Giveaway

A K-9 on a gunman’s trail
will uncover a sinister scheme.

Officer Autumn Riley and her K-9, Bear, are jolted awake in the middle of the night by an intruder—and just barely escape the shots fired their way. When rancher Jordan Clarke, who has been searching for his missing sister, gets caught in the crossfire, he becomes a target too. Is the gunman a vengeful convict that Autumn sent to jail, or is it someone linked to her mother’s unsolved murder? With the attacks against them unrelenting, they’ll have to put everything on the line—including their own lives—to take down this criminal.

My Review:

So excited that a K-9 continuity series has become an annual Loved Inspired Suspense tradition! My absolute favourite series in the line and Laura Scott has created a stunning introduction to this year’s offering, the Colorado K-9 Unit.

The tense, action-packed opening scene sets the stage for the story that follows. This time a special K-9 Unit has been created to expose a diabolical crime ring and Autumn spends her time working leads on that case as well as a more personal one of her own. Only she’s not sure if they are connected or how Jordan Clarke fits into the mix. Lots of intriguing layers to delve into here.

Of course, she has Bear and his unique K-9 skills to help her along the way. Scott does a wonderful job portraying the strong bond between these partners and the way they work together in the field.

Then there’s Jordan, a neighbouring rancher who adds his own measure of intrigue as well as sparks of attraction. I enjoyed the progression of their romance in the midst of sheer bedlam! If my heart wasn’t racing because of the suspense it was skipping beats over their love story.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Searching the Truth’ and was thrilled to hear the familiar voice of Jennifer Jill Araya narrating the story. She always delivers a well-paced performance that catches the essence of the story and the spirit of the characters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Searching for Truth, 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 April 11 2026

Never Forgotten + Giveaway

random retro read

All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.

Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.

Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife’s horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father’s unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.

Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?

My Review:

published in 2024

‘Never Forgotten’ was unexpected in so many ways but absolutely gripping nonetheless. A Gothic Regency with a darker tone and such romantical yearning that my heart ached for Simon and Georgina all the way through.

Desperation and danger dog Simon’s steps as he seeks justice for a horrific crime…or is it revenge? His actions put both his children and Georgina in peril which results in a page-turning frenzy of exquisite torture until everything is righted.

Loved the slow burn romance that blossoms from a decidedly enemies to more start. And there are some delightfully tender scenes featuring Simon and his children that totally melted my heart (Georgina’s too!) But, oh, the plot twists, both with their love story and the mystery! An atmospheric historical romance that rivals any of the classics.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Never Forgotten, 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 April 11 2026

Conversations With Kav – Book Haul + Random Questions + Giveaway

Videoing book hauls is a popular trend on Booktube. That’s where content creators highlight great sales and used book store purchases as well as kindle sales. I have always marvelled at the deals available to every reader on the planet except me. 🙂 I don’t have a used bookstore close by and I don’t read ebooks so drastic sales have never been a bookish thing for me….

Until…

AUDIBLE’S CRAZY HUGELY DISCOUNTED SALE!

I had heart palpitations this week when I checked my audible wishlist and noticed that every single book on my list (there are 420 of them!) was on sale. And the vast majority of them were like 80% off. Tons of audiobooks for $3 and $4 . Not yet releases for $8. I was flabbergasted and discombobulated and might have spent way too many hours over the next few days deciding what to buy.

True confession: I might have made purchases every day of the sale so far. Somehow it doesn’t feel as wickedly decadent to break down my binge buying into smaller hauls. 🙂 And the sale is on through to April 8th so there’s no guarantees that I won’t go back for more. (Don’t judge me.)

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to finally share my very own book haul. So here it is (so far….bwahahahahaha!)

If you are an audiobook fan, definitely check out this sale. It’s phenomenal!

Ohhhh, and I’d love to hear about one of your epic book hauls! Such a lovely bibliophile topic for a discussion.

Random Questions

The best thing about my Best Reads Besties is that you are a font of collective knowledge and I can always count on someone here to have the exact information I’m looking for so…I have some random questions:

Re: Gabrielle Meyer’s Timeless series:

Do the books have to be read in order? Do they have carryover characters or plots that over-arc between books that would make it confusing to read them out of order? And will the world building make sense if you pick up a book mid series? Important to know because they are all $3.47 right now on audible….eeeeeeppppp!

Re. Holly series:

I’ve picked up the rest of the Holly books I need plus the rest of C. C. Warrens’ books in the audible sale (eeeeepppp) but now I see where there seems to be a spin off series featuring Marx – Seeking Justice – and they also feature Holly. Curious to know how they fit in with the actual Holly series. Has anyone read them? Can they be read as standalones, or do they have spoilers? Trying to figure out if I should read all the Holly books and then the Seeking Justice books or merge them.

Looking for an Amish book about disasters:

I read a series — maybe three books? — about the disaster relief work the Amish and Mennonites do through the Mennonite Central Committee. The characters were a mix of Amish and Mennonite – young people volunteering after natural disasters. So they travelled away from home to serve. Disaster was a hurriance or flood? I read it quite awhile ago — maybe ten years even but I don’t know when the books were published. Does this ring any bells? I’ve a hankering to read the books again but I can’t remember author, titles, or any other useful information. Any ideas?

Now it’s your turn — do you have any bookish questions we can help you with? Today’s the day to find those answers!

Giveaway Opportunity:

Share your thoughts/answers/questions in a comment to be entered for a chance to win a $10 gift card (U.S and Canada) – your choice of Baker Book House or Amazon.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 11 2026.

April Giveaway – Week One

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE REST OF THE YEAR:

Crossed Off

random retro read

Collin Wells is relentless and ruthless, and he’ll stop at nothing to get what he his foster sister, the girl who always manages to slip through his fingers.

Holly’s foster brother has haunted her footsteps for years—taunting her, toying with her—and until recently, she never dared to stop running and build a life for herself. Now, everyone she loves is in danger. How can she protect the people she loves when her foster brother comes to collect?

My Review:

This series has been intense but this third book is, well, brutal! I’ve been putting it off for months now because I knew from reviews that this story is very hard to read in places and I was honestly dreading it. But, I love Holly and all these characters (well, except for…) and I knew I just had to brave my way through this one so I could continue on with the series. Sound ominous? It really is!

So, first thing to know: the Holly series needs to be read in order, both for the developing suspense plot (all kinds of freaky stalker vibes) and the relationships. Honestly, for me, Crossed Off’s saving grace comes from the deep friendships and strong sense of found family that forms a buffer between Holly and untold brutality.

I basked in those bonding scenes. Holly’s fierce loyalty, the teasing among her friends, the pranks she plays on Marx, the wary friendship she has with Jordan. All these characters have become real people to me and I savoured every second with them.

The flip side is that the suspense goes way beyond gut-wrenching. Almost unbearable. Definitely pushed me way past my comfort zone in places. Tough situations, serious crimes, Holly’s backstory is heart breaking and she’s facing the worst of it all over again. I honestly had to read this book in stages, giving myself a reprieve with a lighthearted read before picking it up again and I’ve never had to do that before in my eons of reading!

So, not for the faint of heart, but a rich, satisfying, if emotionally draining, read that left me loving Holly and company all the more!