The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley + Giveaway

She’s out to prove that there’s no such thing as choosing happiness.

Isadora Bentley follows the rules. Isadora Bentley likes things just so. Isadora Bentley believes that happiness is something that flat-out doesn’t exist in her life—and never will.

As a university researcher, Isadora keeps to herself as much as possible. She avoids the students she’s supposed to befriend and mentor. She stays away from her neighbors and lives her own quiet, organized life in her own quiet, organized apartment. And she will never get involved in a romantic relationship again—especially with another academic. It will be just Isadora and her research. Forever.

But on her thirtieth birthday, Isadora does something completely out of character. The young woman who never does anything “on a whim” makes an impulse purchase of a magazine featuring a silly article detailing “Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy”—which includes everything from smiling at strangers to exercising for endorphins to giving in to your chocolate cravings. Isadora decides to create her own secret research project—proving the writer of the ridiculous piece wrong.

As Isadora gets deeper into her research—and meets a handsome professor along the way—she’s stunned to discover that maybe, just maybe, she’s proving herself wrong. Perhaps there’s actually something to this happiness concept, and possibly there’s something to be said for loosening up and letting life take you somewhere…happy.

My Review:

published in 2023

This literary gem has been languishing on my TBR for far too long! I have no idea why I procrastinated because I was thoroughly hooked on the first page once I started reading. Isadora is a lethal combination of hysterically funny (without realizing it) and deeply touching. Walsh kept me off kilter the whole read as I shifted between hearty guffaws and poignant moments of heart tugging empathy. I felt for Isadora! Especially as her past is slowly revealed and I was able to make sense of the person she is in present day.

We meet Isadora on her thirtieth birthday, a lonely affair involving lethal amounts of sugar and an impulse magazine purchase because of the taunting headline “31 Ways to be Happy (Today!)” Isadora’s scientific mind goes into overdrive and she embarks on a personal research project…to prove the article’s author wrong.

What ensues is a compulsive read full of humour and charm and emotional depth. It’s almost like Isadora’s coming of age journey even though she’s thirty. The way she earnestly throws herself into her research is so endearing, and results in some unexpected surprises as she slowly amasses an eclectic cast of found family and a potential love interest.

Walsh’s first person narrative hits home. I felt inside Isadora’s skin and experienced all the excruciatingly awkward moments right along with her. As well as the hopeful ones. And the way she discovered other people’s stories as they become part of her own is so inspiring.

“Step 32: CHOOSE to be happy. Then get out of your own way.”

The Resurrection of Evania James + Giveaway

In 1879, when Eloise James’ sister, Evania, goes missing after being admitted to an asylum, Eloise is determined to find her sibling but instead finds evidence of dying patients and grave-robbers. Wannabe journalist Silas Dobbs has his own reasons for exposing the grim trade. Together, they are intent on learning whether Evania is alive or if her body has also been stolen. But unraveling a tapestry of underground resurrectionists proves daunting, and the dead are not the only ones in danger.

In the present day, Tilly Thompson is unnerved to find human remains entombed in the wall of the historic mansion her grandfather just purchased, launching her into an investigation of the former owners’ murky past. The James family legacy harbors a darkness tightly woven through decades of secrets, yet the past refuses to stay hidden. Will revealing the truth resurrect dangers best kept buried forever?

Jaime Jo Wright masterfully weaves atmospheric dual timeline Gothic suspense that brings together a haunting historical tale and shadowy modern-day mystery.

My Review:

I don’t know how Jaime Jo Wright does it. Every time I read her latest book, I think she can’t top it and then the next release comes out and she does! She has created a speciality niche in the dual timeline genre and I love how familiar reading her books can feel while still offering up fresh storytelling and unique historical twists.

The familiar comes from the pacing and the way she intertwines the two timelines. There are loose parallels between the heroines in each timeline and the clever way Wright blends the two stories makes for an edge-of-your-seat, breathtaking kind of read. I’m wholeheartedly committed to both heroines, completely immersed in their stories and then – whoosh – I’m left hanging in one timeline while being plummeted into the other one. On repeat, all the way through. And the overlapping starts to blur as the book progresses. It feels like the author is just as anxious to reveal all as I am to read it!

The historical details are horrifying. The lack of rights for women, the way they were at the mercy of the men who were supposed to have their best interests at heart…shudder! So grim and heartbreaking. I had so many ‘aha’ moments as I read this book. It was thrilling to know something Tilly still hadn’t figured out…or at least I suspected (and I was eventually proven right…yay! ) But there was so much more to the story than I could ever have anticipated. Plot twist after plot twist. A truly exhilarating read!

Conversations With Kav – Grumpy/Sunshine trope? Yay! But in Reverse? Hmmmm….+ Giveaway

Waaaaay back when we started our Sunday conversations we chatted about our favourite tropes and I thought it would be fun to examine a few of them in more depth. Since Grumpy/Sunshine is one of my favourite romantic tropes, I thought we’d start here.

Especially since I realized that, while I adore grumpy/sunshine when the hero is the grump, I’m not as keen on it in reverse, where the heroine is the grump and the hero the sunshine. So, let’s look at that and maybe you can help me figure out why I like one and not the other.

Grumpy Hero

I blame my early fascination with Beauty and the Beast, my favourite fairy tale as a kid and now it’s one of my top fairy tale retellings as an adult. It almost feels like Beauty and the Beast was the original grumpy/sunshine trope. There’s just something so alluring about a brooding ‘beast’ kind of hero, especially when the author lets us get a peek at the tenderness and consideration that is buried way down deep. I’m all in for that journey and am willing to give him grace while he turns his grump around.

Grumpy Heroine

BUT for some reason I find it much harder to relate to a grumpy heroine. All too often she comes across as petty, whiny, crass, harsh…just totally unrelatable. And, honestly, I find that a bit unsettling. Like why am I willing to give more grace to a grumpy hero than to a heroine? Am I a product of a skewed gender biased upbringing where girls were expected to be ‘nice’ and polite and gentle etc? While boys were given far more leeway with certain less desirable behaviours tolerated because ‘boys will be boys’ while girls were strictly kept in line? I honestly don’t know — but it takes a very talented author to thaw my heart when it comes to a grumpy heroine.

One of My Fave of Grumpy Hero / Sunshiney Heroine Trope

Why it works for me:

Levi’s the strong, silent type. If communication is necessary, he thinks a grunt or two will suffice, and while that could be frustrating for the heroine, it’s also hilarious. Plus, he’s a reader! I mean, I’m willing to overlook a lot for a well read hero! 🙂 He’s also kinda henpecked by all his sisters which is a lovely contrast to the brooding beast facade. And, oh my, the kittens! So, I guess that’s the key here, while Levi presents as this tough, gruff, grump, these discrepancies in his character expose the tender heart he’s buried deep inside which makes him easy to love.

One of My Favourite Grumpy Heroine / Sunshiney Hero Trope

Surprise! Same author! Sarah Monzon is great at this grumpy/sunshine stuff. I loved the ‘Sewing in SoCal’ series but I’ll admit to being a wee bit wary of embracing Betsy’s story when the time came because of the sarcastic sass and grumpy demeanour that carried her through the first four books. Sure she’s provided some wonderful comedic background but a whole book featuring Betsy’s sharp wit, and more importantly, the gigantic chip on her shoulder? I wasn’t so sure.

Somehow Monzon made her prickly persona charming and her rapid fire come backs, not to mention the sarcasm renting space in her brain, made this a laugh-out-loud, can’t-stop-listening reading experience for me. D-e-l-i-g-h-t-f-u-l. Betsy’s back story brings depth to her character and helped me understand…and be frustrated by…that smart mouth of hers.

Time to Start the Conversation:

  • Are you a fan of the grumpy/sunshine trope?
  • What makes it work for you?
  • If you’re not a fan, why doesn’t it work for you?
  • Are you like me, and struggle with the trope when it’s the heroine who is the grump?
  • Care to share any of your fave grumpy/sunshine romances so we can add to our TBRs?

Share your thoughts in the comments and you’ll be entered in this week’s giveaway:

Offer open to US and Canada readers as well as International Readers who have a US Kindle account. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 14 2026.

November Giveaway – Week One

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:

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!

Unraveling a Crime Ring

When a kidnapper strikes,
a K-9 team leaps into action.

FBI Special Agent Emmett Dane and his K-9 partner, Gemma, thwart a masked man’s abduction of a woman and child with only seconds to spare. But from the moment they take single mom Winona Garland and her adopted baby girl into protective custody, Emmett and Gemma are met with a constant barrage of attacks. Who has this K-9 duo in their sights—a sinister baby trafficking conspiracy…or a lethally vengeful enemy? With danger everywhere in the icy Colorado mountains, Emmett and Winona must uncover the truth before someone’s obsessive endgame finishes them for good…

My Review:

This heart-wrenching edge-of-your-seater brings ‘The Colorado K-9 Unit’ series to an emotional conclusion. Justice is finally served, albeit with some innocent casualties. I really appreciate the way this 8th book wraps up. It could have gone in so many directions but this one just felt right.

Kudos to all the authors who created so many epic reads with the kind of memorable heroes and heroines a reader loves to cheer on (and I am including the dogs in that sentiment!)

While all of the books can be read as standalones, this ‘grand finale’ to the series will make a bigger impact if you have read at least a few of the earlier books, especially the 7th one.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Unraveling a Crime Ring’ and narrator Teri Schnaubelt delivered an amazing performance. She’s really good at building the tension during the suspense scenes and then releasing it and relaxing into the lighter moments. It’s subtle, but she conveys so much just through her voice which makes for an enthralling listening experience.

Hello November + Giveaway

It’s a Best Reads blog tradition! Celebrating the month’s new releases the first week of each month.

Because I recently discovered that a book’s success or failure is often determined by first month sales! (Though I bet preorders play into that as well.) Publishing houses look at those stats to determine whether they’ll add on to a series or accept the author’s next manuscript! All that literary goodness hanging in the balance but for a month’s worth of sales! (This was a cozy mystery author, but I imagine all traditional publishers use the same ‘system’.) So I thought I should do my wee little bit to promote Christian Fiction.

By hosting a special ‘Hello – insert month’ giveaway. It’s easy to play along. You just have to choose ONE of the November 2026 new releases on your TBR wishlist (must be Christian Fiction / Closed Door) and mention the title in a comment below (or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca) If your name is drawn, that October release is the book you will win and we’re one book closer to keeping our fave authors in business.

How the Light Gets In + Giveaway

From the highly acclaimed author of The Outcast and The Alliance comes an engrossing novel about marriage and motherhood, loss and moving on.

When Ruth Neufeld’s husband and father-in-law are killed working for a relief organization overseas, she travels to Wisconsin with her young daughters and mother-in-law Mabel to bury her husband. She hopes the Mennonite community will be a quiet place to grieve and piece together next steps.

Ruth and her family are welcomed by Elam, her husband’s cousin, who invites them to stay at his cranberry farm through the harvest. Sifting through fields of berries and memories of a marriage that was broken long before her husband died, Ruth finds solace in the beauty of the land and healing through hard work and budding friendship. She also encounters the possibility of new love with Elam, whose gentle encouragement awakens hopes and dreams she thought she’d lost forever.

But an unexpected twist threatens to unseat the happy ending Ruth is about to write for herself.

My Review:

published in 2019

When I was packing up to move, I set aside a basket full of books I wanted to re-read and, periodically, I browse through them and mood pick one. This is one of those gems and well worth the second read.

Well, I’m gobsmacked! Seriously speechless. This book was everything I didn’t expect it to be and that ending!!!! I’m still coasting on the shock waves and it’s been a week since I reached the end. A week of mulling over plot points and characters, wondering if I’d actually read what I…well, read! lol And how do I possibly compose a review without revealing spoilers? I’m stymied.

‘How the Light Gets In’ is profound and moving. A raw and honest exploration of grief. And Ruth’s grieving is all the more difficult because of her broken marriage. The agony of not being able to go back and change things or have the opportunity to go forward and fix things makes for a heart-wrenching read. But it’s also a story that embraces the wonder and hope of new beginnings; of learning from the past in order to build a better future.

But be forewarned — there are plot twists galore and Petersheim delivers them with the kind of impeccable pacing that left me reeling. Left hook after left hook until my head was spinning! So many rich layers — from setting to characters to that wicked pummel-me-senseless storyline. Phew! Prepare to be caffuzled and addlepated by the time you finish!

Christy Awards 2026 Finalists – Young Adult + Giveaway

The Christy Award is destined to nurture creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview and showcase the diversity of genres. These 2026 finalists are books published in 2025. 

You select one of the Young Adult Fiction finalists you would like to receive if your name is drawn. Mention the title in a comment. If you win that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. Here are the finalists. (I have provided links to my reviews of the books I have read.)

Illuminary, Chawna Schroeder
Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media, 9798886051902

Glimpse the past, illuminate the future.

Yosarai Patican dreams of becoming an illuminator in a country that values art above all else. A lofty goal that finally seems within reach when she earns a position at the prestigious Academy of the Seven Arts. Although Yosarai loathes to leave behind her quiet country life, she travels to the capital, determined to live up to her mother’s fame as one of Indel’s greatest artists.

Prince Xander never planned to become king. Indeed, he never wanted to become king. But when his father dies suddenly, he is thrust into the middle of coronation preparations—and assassination attempts. With everyone around him in increasing danger, Xander decides to hide in neighboring Indel until the time for him to be crowned king arrives.

Posing as an inventor struggling with aesthetics, Xander enlists Yosarai’s aid as part of his cover, but soon he suspects she knows more than she should. But when danger threatens and secrets are exposed, entering a competition reputed as cutthroat may be the only way for them to protect everything they hold dear.

The Outsider, Katy Morgan
The Good Book Company, 9781802542974

This imaginative and biblically faithful retelling of the story of Ruth helps children 8+ to engage with God’s word.The Bible story of Ruth is imaginatively brought to life in this biblically faithful chapter book that helps kids 8+ engage with God’s word. Readers will find themselves immersed in the hearts and minds of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz as they experience difficulty, uncertainty, danger, and rescue.

With an emphasis on God’s relationship with his people, this retelling is careful to depict human relationships appropriately and in light of God’s love for his people. Kids will learn that God’s providence, provision, and kindness extend to all kinds of people, even to those who are outsiders.

Includes a Bible-reading plan and notes that differentiate the known facts from the imaginative parts.

Makes a wonderful gift for children 8+ years. A discussion guide is also included, making it ideal for book clubs and homeschool co-ops.

Written by Katy Morgan, author of faithful, imaginative bible The Promise and the Light and The Songs of a Warrior.

Sons of Day and Night, Mariposa Aristeo
Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media, 9798886052343

Not even death can tell them apart.

In the wild and lush kingdom of Twinsbane, everyone has a look-alike, and each twin is cursed to die when their double breathes their last. When an ancient plague arises, the kingdom’s only hope is to sever these deadly ties. Yet King Daccias refuses to relinquish the cure, a legendary potion called the Separator.

Waruu, an orphan determined to break these ties, discovers he’s the king’s doppelgänger. He’s certain that if he can switch places, he can save the kingdom. But if anyone learns his true identity, he’ll lose everything—including the people he’s desperately trying to protect.

King Daccias wants nothing more than for his subjects to cease threatening to behead him if he doesn’t hand over the Separator. Intent on catching those opposing him, he finds himself ensnared in his own trap. If he doesn’t break loose, the kingdom will rest in the hands of an insolent boy who knows nothing about the truth behind the events unfolding around him.

To save their kingdom, both Waruu and Daccias must face their greatest enemy—each other.

The Star-Blessed, Angie Dickinson
Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media, ‎ 9798886052534

Three legendary origins of power. Two royal bloodlines. One deadly curse.

The kingdom of Stelauris is slowly dying. A season of poison infects the air, earth, and water with increasing deadliness each year, and a deep love of gold and power infects the failing mind of the king. His only daughter and first in line to the throne, Princess Seren, lives in tightly controlled isolation. When she is suddenly thrust into royal society, she struggles to hide the strain of untamed magic awakening in her blood.

Seren’s newly appointed personal guard, Sir Corin, resents the exile of his people. As heir to a long-banished line of succession and the last of the land’s legendary protectors, he holds no loyalty for the current royal family and their history of unhinged cruelty.

As death steals over the kingdom and the schemes at court grow deadlier, the princess and the guard are forced to face their fears, their troubled pasts, and the cost of personal freedom.

The Star-Blessed is a reimagining and reinventing of two fairy tales: “Rumpelstiltskin” and “Catskin” by the Brothers Grimm.

Christy Awards 2026 Finalists – Speculative + Giveaway

The Christy Award is destined to nurture creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview and showcase the diversity of genres. These 2026 finalists are books published in 2025. 

You select one of the Speculative finalists you would like to receive if your name is drawn. Mention the title in a comment. If you win that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. Here are the finalists. (I have provided links to my reviews of the books I have read.)

Every Hour Until Then, Gabrielle Meyer
Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764243011

Gifted with the ability to time-cross between Victorian-era London and World War II Washington, DC, Kathryn faces two lives fraught with danger. In 1938 amid the looming shadow of war, Kathryn is invited to the London Museum as a guest curator to create a groundbreaking exhibit on Jack the Ripper and his reign of terror. As she delves into her grim research, she uncovers a chilling discovery: her own sister is destined to become the Ripper’s final victim decades earlier.

In 1888, in a race against fate, Kathryn is assisted by her handsome childhood friend in hunting down history’s most elusive killer. As they unravel the threads of mystery woven through time, Kathryn must decide if she’ll unmask the murderer history has chosen to hide, forfeiting a life with the man she loves to save her sister.

Bestselling author Gabrielle Meyer presents yet another thrilling time-travel tale of intrigue, loyalty, and romance–threaded with suspense and decisions that could change history.

Heir of Light, Niki Florica and Jill Williamson
Sunrise Publishing, 9781963372649

Sir Rigil Barak came to Land’s End expecting a routine investigate some rumors, spy on some nobles, and above all, play the perfect knight. Instead, he is reunited with his less-than-shining past–the same past that has kept him on the road for years, fleeing his noble father’s scorn and grieving the woman he thought dead.

Until now.

Because in Land’s End, he sees a face he never thought he’d see again . . . at least, not outside his dreams. And if she’s alive, he’ll do anything for a second chance to save her.

Years of captivity to a madman left Sethe with a face full of scars and one never be trapped again. Except, to keep that rule, she’ll have to ask for help from Rigil, the thief who broke her heart and abandoned her long ago. Now, years later, he shows up to rescue her from Land’s End like a knight in shining armor? Who does he think he is?
And even if the boy from her past has become a real knight with real honor, can she fall for a man who lied to her?

Maybe that doesn’t matter now, because Sethe’s old captor is hot on her heels with a new invention that could turn her into something worse than a prisoner. He could turn her into a weapon.

Fortunately, Rigil and Sethe always did know how to pull off a heist–and if they can steal the enemy’s deadly new weapon, they can save the kingdom. For Sethe, this means trusting Rigil without letting him anywhere near her heart. For Rigil, it means a second chance with the woman whose heart he once broke.

And this time, failure could cost them everything.

Dive into this swashbuckling story of second chances, forbidden love, espionage and epic adventure in this fourth book in the Blood of Legends series.

Maxine Justice: Public Offender, Daniel Schwabauer
Enclave, a division of Oasis Family Media, 9798886052381

The case she didn’t need. The client she didn’t want. The trial she couldn’t win.

Fresh off her single-handed defense against alien adversaries in a galactic courtroom, Maxine Justice discovers that saving the Earth is not enough to earn a hero’s welcome back home. Once again broke and now looking for revenge, her return to night court as a public defender takes an immediate detour when she’s tasked with defending a Therapod murder suspect.

The case drags her into the quirky theories of her new client, Father Gilbert Barthes, and the corrupt underbelly of corporate robotics. As her defense takes on global significance, Maxine lands squarely in the crosshairs of new enemies determined to conceal their plans for acquiring the planet. Worse, her probably guilty client may be the only one who can expose what’s really happening.

Stripped of all credibility and most of her friends, can Maxine find some way to save humanity when the world is bent on self-destruction? Or will Earth finally succumb to the most unlikely deception?

Of Dawn and Embers, Gillian Bronte Adams
Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media, 9798886052428

He rides a dawnling, a steed of light and glory, destined to restore.

Jakim Ha’Nor will save his people, or so says the prophecy that upended his life and drove his brothers to betray him. Now, he has returned as the dawnrider to fulfill his purpose and reconcile with his brothers—only to find himself embroiled in a war.

Captured in the fallout of a deadly attack, Rafi grapples with the ghosts of the past. His brother is alive but no longer himself, and Rafi will stop at nothing to save him. Farther up the coast, Ceridwen strives to reignite the embers of the rebellion to burn the empire down. When Rafi is sentenced to execution before the imperial court, Ceridwen must rally every spear and steed she can for a blistering strike at the heart of the capital.

But the empire’s schemes are already in motion, and Jakim’s two missions collide when an unexpected encounter with one of his brothers reveals the true threat behind the imperial thirst for ancient secrets. Hidden forces intend to unleash a cataclysmic power, spurring Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim to challenge the full, crushing might of the empire for the fate of the world.

Stars weep and ash falls as the tides of battle propel the Fireborn queen, the Sea-Demon prince, and the Dawnrider priest toward a meteoric clash in this thunderous series finale.

Conversations With Kav – Autumn Bingo Winners!

Woohoo! Well, this was all kinds of fun. So many entries. So many books read. So many Blackout cards and different reads for each prompt. You guys are amazing bibliophiles! And bonus, now I have a bunch more titles to add to my own wishlist!

How the Winners were drawn:

Using our handy dandy Random Wheel of Names Spinner, I entered your name for each point you earned on your bingo card…in the order you reported in. I was afraid I’d overload the spinner wheel, but thankfully it takes up to 1000 names and yes, we came close, but there was room for everyone. This is what the wheel looked like :

And now, here are the winners:

$20 gift card won by Tammy (PM)

$15 Gift Card Won by Caryl

$10 Gift Card Won by Tracey

Ladies, if you could please email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca and let me know which gift card you would like – Baker Book House or Amazon – that would be a huge help.

Thank you everyone for participating. It was so much fun – especially getting to see what you all are reading. I’m such a nosy reader! 🙂

Speaking of which, What are you reading right now? I’m just about to start The Resurrection of Evania James by Jaime Jo Wright – perfect spooky read for a Halloween night! Happy Reading, everyone!