Kav's Best Reads

More Than Friends + Giveaway

There’s nothing like teaming up to investigate your mother’s shady new boyfriend to make you see your best friend in a whole new light . . .

Jenna Greene has been very clear with her She is not ready for marriage. Too bad he didn’t listen. Turns out a rejected proposal is a sure way to lose a boyfriend—and a job. Because, yes, he’d also been her boss. But it seems the firing has come at the perfect time. Back on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, Jenna’s widowed mother has returned from a cruise—with a new boyfriend in tow. Something isn’t right, and Jenna decides to return home to find out what’s going on.

Tyson Parker has a pretty great life on Chincoteague. He’s gainfully employed at his parents’ bed and breakfast—in the very home where he grew up with his three brothers, right across the street from his best friend, Jenna. He loves volunteering for the island’s illustrious fire company and being one of the saltwater cowboys who cares for Chincoteague’s wild ponies. If only he could’ve skipped the whole part where he’d married a two-timing woman. Still, he’s elated to have his best friend back when Jenna returns to the island, even if it is only temporary. And he’s happy to help her figure out what her mom’s suspicious new beau might be up to. But soon his feelings for Jenna begin to shift into. . . something different.

Jenna expected to enjoy visiting her mom, Tyson, and his whole family. She’d expected to feel closer to her deceased father on the island where the foal they’d named years ago now roams the wild salt marshes of Assateague like its ancestors have for hundreds of years. What she didn’t expect was for her feelings for her best friend to change. But she’s always sworn she’d never date a firefighter. Plus, Tyson is fresh off a betrayal. And also, there’s that teensy commitment problem she seems to have. Would she even have the courage to finally give her heart away? And should they really risk their beautiful friendship in the hopes they could someday be something more?

My Review:

First off, I have to fangirl over the setting! I have been fascinated by Chincoteague Island since reading Marguerite Henry’s ‘Misty’ series when I was a child so to discover that returning home for Jenna means Chincoteague, well, I might have squealed out of sheer bookish glee. And then to discover that our hero, Tyson, is a volunteer saltwater cowboy! I can’t even…happy sigh. Love all the details the author includes about the island, it’s history and the wild ponies. The next best thing to actually being able to go there myself.

This emotional slow-burn friends-to-more romance delivers just the right balance of humour and drama. Jenna and Tyson have always been best friends, and while they haven’t been as close since Jenna moved away from the island, they easily pick up where they left off when she comes back. Hunter writes this classic trope with such skill. Love the way their relationship develops. The dawning realization that their feelings are changing. The fear of risking their friendship for the uncertainty of romance. I agonized with them every step of the way. Thrilled when they got it right and groaned when the inevitable missteps occurred. I was completely invested in their love story!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘More Than Friends’ and really enjoyed Kim Churchill’s narration. She has become a familiar voice in my audiobook listening and I appreciate the way her performances enhance my ‘reading’ pleasure. Always a delight to listen to.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook copy

Canada – 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 More Than Friends, 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 4 2026

Hello April + Giveaway

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

Why?

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.

How?

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice

Canada -paperback or ebook (in form of an Amazon gift card) or audible.ca audio book (if available) – winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 4 2026

Love and Order + Giveaway

Family, Love, and Justice

Separated as children when they were adopted out to different families from an orphan train, the Braddock siblings have each grown up and taken on various jobs within law enforcement and criminal justice.

Pinkertons Callie Wilson and Joe Trenamen come to Cambria Springs to stop a killer. But when evidence points to a ghost from Callie’s childhood, she must choose between two men she loves.

Falsely accused, bounty hunter Rion Braddock vows to prove his innocence. Former flame Maya Fellows and dime novelist Lucinda Peters both offer help, but is either beauty truly on his side?

In her first solo case, attorney Andi McGovern defends Rion, but the infuriating prosecutor, Daniel Littrick, outwits her. Following a hunch could win her case—or leave Andi dead.

Can these couples stop the true culprit and right the greatest injustice of Callie, Andi, and Rion’s lives?

My Review:

What a captivating story! I’ve been ‘off’ Historical Westerns for a while now but ‘Love and Order’ (such a clever title!) has renewed my interest in the genre. Jennifer Uhlarik’s exquisite storytelling brings this time period to life in a fresh way.

Siblings separated on an orphan train reunite fifteen years later only to find themselves in a desperate fight for justice. Their unique professions -a Pinkerton Agent, a bounty hunter and a lawyer – prove extremely useful for the arduous journey ahead.

Loved these characters and their ‘Wild West’ challenges. Feisty heroines, long suffering heroes, a diabolical villain and enough sub-plots to keep me anxiously engaged right to the very end.

The book is divided into three parts with each sibling getting their own story while also playing roles in the over-arching suspense plot. Love the way the author bridged each section together, building tension with each story and culminating in an emotional courtroom scene that kept me on the edge of my seat! I might have shouted ‘I object’ more than once in the midst of all the drama. 🙂

And — eeeepppp — we get three times the romance as Callie, Rion and Andi find love in the midst of action and danger! The perfect literary escape read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – 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 Love and Order, 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 4 2026

Not What We Pictured + Giveaway

This is absolutely not how they pictured their summer going.

McKenna Boston is feeling stuck. She’s spent years growing her photography skills only for her career to hit a wall. She’s ready to move on, and she will, just as soon as she helps her sister’s boyfriend stage the perfect proposal. But when her best laid plans go awry and a handsome stranger accidentally ends up with the heirloom ring, McKenna hops on a flight to retrieve it. Piece of cake, right?

Nate Lambert was hoping to enjoy a relaxing summer before starting his new job as a literature professor, but he arrives in Tennessee to discover his mom’s bed and breakfast is struggling and there’s a long list of repairs to be tackled. The last thing he needs is a gorgeous, determined photographer searching for a ring he doesn’t have since the airline lost his luggage somewhere on his route from Nebraska.

With the ring nowhere to be found, all McKenna can do is wait and use the time to build her portfolio and plan her next career move. But she also can’t help getting swept up in Nate’s bed and breakfast renovations and in planning a community concert with the townsfolk. As both await news of Nate’s suitcase, it begins to seem their serendipitous meeting, and the proposal gone wrong, could actually be everything going right . . . and that this may be their chance at a love neither could have pictured.

My Review:

Oh dear, I think I cracked a rib or two from laughing so hard over all the bantering bedlam. Whip smart and witty. Quips that are so clever you’ll want to take notes so you can use them in your life someday.

The comedic beats are brilliant and I think I enjoyed them all the more for having listened to the audio book expertly narrated by CJ Bloom. The way she delivers the rapid-fire dialogue is priceless…and she does it with a complete repertoire of voices so it’s easy to identify who is talking. Her performance elevated my overall appreciation of this wonderful story. Definitely recommend the audiobook to discerning listeners!

And the clever way the story unfolds right from the side-splitting opening scene! Kinzer artfully builds her plot through, well, controlled choreographed chaos! Indescribably good.

And I can’t forget to mention these characters! McKenna and Nate shine in their starring roles right from their inauspicious meet-cute. The enemies to more trope suits them to a T, especially as they hurdle their way through a series of unfortunate events with hair-raising hilarity. Throw in a crew of quirky seniors who manage to add even more muddled layers to a memorable summer and you get rom/com perfection with oodles of heart.

My thanks to Tyndale House Audiobooks and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – 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 Not What We Pictured, 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 4 2026

Reader’s Choice Week Spring 2026 Winners

Phew! What a week! Thanks so much for participating in the Best Reads’ Spring edition of Reader’s Choice Week! My TBR lists are plumped up with tantalizing new titles thanks to everyone’s input. I might spend as much time plotting my reading future as I do actually reading! Decisions! Decisions! 🙂

And my aplogies for getting this post up so late in the day. My eyeballs gave out on my yesterday – too much screen time = ocular migraines which isn’t as painful as it sounds. More annoying. I get flashing lights and fuzzy vision which makes it hard to do any focus work. I got the gist of the tallying done in stints yesterday but I wanted to double check the results today when I was more clearheaded. Only I forgot that we had our AGM after church this Sunday so I was later getting home than usual which delayed my double checking. But it’s all done now so…tada…here are the results!

First, I had to satisfy my inner book nerd and tally up all the titles in each genre to find out the popular pick for each one and here they are:

indie popular pick

won by sabrina

Historical Popular Pick

won by Pam K

Contemporary Popular Pick

won by Perrianne

Mystery/suspense popular pick

won by Sandy Avery

AND NOW FOR THE REST OF THE RCW WINNERS!

won by Elizabeth Litton

General christian fiction

won by Tracey

Goals Review

won by kcrhoades

But wait, it’s not over yet. The Vanity category has become a blog tradition. It’s where a book is actually judged by its cover and I choose my favourite cover art per genre and then draw from a pool of readers who requested that title. Here are the COVER LOVE winners!

Indie cover love

won by Diane Flowers

Eye catching! Love the sense of movement conveyed through the heroine’s cloak and hair. And the Celtic knots that frame the scene are exquisite and remind me of Ireland.

Historical cover love

won by Cindy davis

I mean, who can resist a silhouette in a graveyard? Especially with a title like that. And I love the classic cut to the heroine’s outfit.

contemporary cover love

won by Jo Ruth

I’ve got to be honest, it’s hard to not see that tantalizing word ‘highlands’ in the title which is a big draw for me. Mind you I love the fall vibes on this cover — the cozy ambience inside complete with two furry companions and the autumn splendour outside.

mystery/suspense cover love

won by Kimmy

I like this cover because it’s unique – very striking with he black and gold and I desperately need to know if the gold is foil or embossed. I might be disappointed if it isn’t either or. 🙂

WAIT! Don’t go away ’cause we’re not through yet. We have another Reader’s Choice tradition of picking a random number which becomes a ‘just because giveaway’ on the genre specific days. If that doesn’t make sense, all you need to know is that it means more book giveaways. Woohoo! This time the number is 48.

48th mystery/suspense

won by Elly cox

And that’s another wrap on a glorious Reader’s Choice Week. Thanks for participating and growing my wishlist!

I’ll start contacting winners tomorrow, but if you haven’t left an email or if you are so inclined, you can send me an email listing your preference of either paperback or ebook and your contact info. kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca

Looking ahead to next week:

Monday

tuesday

wednesday

Hello April! Time to take a look at April releases now that they are fresh on our minds!

thursday

friday

Reader’s Choice Giveaway – Spring 2026 Edition – Goal Reviews

Quarterly reading goal reviews have become a Best Reads Blog tradition and I can’t believe we’ve reached the end of the first quarter of 2026 already! Where does the time go, I wonder? Hours spent reading I’m guessing 🙂

I’ll share my progress (or not!) here just for some fun book nerdy stats and, if you’re so inclined, you can share a goal or two in the comments. But no pressure – a goal can be as simple as ‘read a book.’

So, to enter this giveaway, just share anything goal related in the comments. Then, in the same comment, list a book that will help you reach your goal. So it looks like this:

“I want to catch up on some suspense series. Night Prey by Susan Sleeman.”

NOTE: BOOKS MUST BE CHRISTIAN FICTION OR CLOSED DOOR

You can enter up to three times in three separate comments — and you can use the same goal or a different one each time, but a different title for each entry.

Books can be published any time up through to June 2026. Currently published books will be ordered this coming week for winners, otherwise it will be an IOU for a title releasing later.

WINNER’S CHOICE OF PAPERBACK OR EBOOK FOR US AND CANADIAN ENTRIES. EBOOKS ONLY FOR INTERNATIONAL READERS WHO HAVE A US KINDLE ACCOUNT.

See? Easy Peasy. But if you’re still not clear, don’t be shy about asking questions.

Here we go! Time to face up to what’s been working and what hasn’t when it comes to my goals this year.

I’m pretty jazzed about my 26 in 26 list. I’ve read 10 of the books this first quarter! Turns out that I can be motivated by setting specific goals! lol

WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON

Sunday March 29 2026

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon EST on Saturday March 28 2026 Winners will be announced the following day.)

Reader’s Choice Giveaway – Spring Edition 2026 – General Christian Fiction

Spring may be shy about making an appearance this year, but we can still look forward to the new season by exploring all the new releases coming out in April, May and June 2026.

Here’s how this week’s giveaway works: You recommend CHRISTIAN FICTION genre specific titles with release dates in April, May or June 2026 (up to 3 suggestions per genre day) and you have a chance to win one of your recommendations! BUT it’s a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These giveaways are available in paperback or ebook format to US and Canadian readers. Ebooks available internationally if you have a .com kindle account (US Amazon)

General Christian Fiction Giveaway Day

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the books in the General Christian Fiction genre you would like to win.

General Christian Fiction – a full length story or novella or collection of novellas. Any genre including previous selections you made on other days this week as well as genres not yet specifically covered such as Women’s Fiction, Speculative, Sci Fi, Middle Grade etc.

How does it work?

Easy Peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES

Publication date must be April, May or June 2026

Each day is genre specific, so only submit titles from that genre

Christian Fiction only please!

You can offer up to three suggestions per genre day BUT they need to be made in 3 separate comments (easier for me to keep track of.)

No email entries this time round since WP comments are working

OF SPECIAL NOTE: IF YOU HAVEN’T COMMENTED ON THIS BLOG BEFORE, YOUR FIRST COMMENT WON’T APPEAR UNTIL I APPROVE IT. AFTER THAT YOUR COMMENTS WILL POST AUTOMATICALLY.

Entrants must submit their own selections (no piggybacking on someone else’s log in.)

It’s helpful to include your email (using AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers) but you only need to add it to one of your comments per day. If you choose not to include your email then it’s up to you to contact me if you are a winner.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON

Sunday March 29 2026

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon EST on Saturday March 28 2026 Winners will be announced the following day.)

Reader’s Choice Giveaway – Spring 2026 Edition – Mystery/Suspense Fiction

Spring may be shy about making an appearance this year, but we can still look forward to the new season by exploring all the new releases coming out in April, May and June 2026.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These giveaways are available in paperback or ebook format to US and Canadian readers. Ebooks available internationally if you have a .com kindle account (US Amazon)

Mystery/Suspense Fiction Giveaway Day

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the books in the Mystery/Suspense Fiction genre you would like to win.

Mystery/Suspense Fiction – a full length story or novella or collection of novellas where mystery is an important part of the plot. The hero or heroine (or both) are often in peril (more so in suspense). Can be set in any time period and may cross genres such as Historical, YA, Amish etc and may include dual timelines.

How does it work?

Easy Peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES

Publication date must be April, May or June 2026

Each day is genre specific, so only submit titles from that genre

Christian Fiction / Closed Door books only please!

You can offer up to three suggestions per genre day BUT they need to be made in 3 separate comments (easier for me to keep track of.)

No email entries this time round since WP comments are working

OF SPECIAL NOTE: IF YOU HAVEN’T COMMENTED ON THIS BLOG BEFORE, YOUR FIRST COMMENT WON’T APPEAR UNTIL I APPROVE IT. AFTER THAT YOUR COMMENTS WILL POST AUTOMATICALLY.

Entrants must submit their own selections (no piggybacking on someone else’s log in.)

WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON

Sunday March 29 2026

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon EST on Saturday March 28 2026 Winners will be announced the following day.)

Reader’s Choice Giveaway – Spring Edition 2026 – Contemporary Fiction

Spring may be shy about making an appearance this year, but we can still look forward to the new season by exploring all the new releases coming out in April, May and June 2026.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These giveaways are available in paperback or ebook format to US and Canadian readers. Ebooks available internationally if you have a .com kindle account (US Amazon)

Contemporary Fiction Giveaway Day

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the books in the Contemporary Fiction genre you would like to win.

Contemporary Fiction – a full length story or novella or collection of novellas set any time after 1980. May cross genres such as YA, Suspense, Amish etc and may include dual timelines.

How does it work?

Easy Peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES

Publication date must be April, May or June 2026

Each day is genre specific, so only submit titles from that genre

Christian Fiction / Closed Door books only please!

You can offer up to three suggestions per genre day BUT they need to be made in 3 separate comments (easier for me to keep track of.)

No email entries this time round since WP comments are working

OF SPECIAL NOTE: IF YOU HAVEN’T COMMENTED ON THIS BLOG BEFORE, YOUR FIRST COMMENT WON’T APPEAR UNTIL I APPROVE IT. AFTER THAT YOUR COMMENTS WILL POST AUTOMATICALLY.

Entrants must submit their own selections (no piggybacking on someone else’s log in.)

WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON

Sunday March 29 2026

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon EST on Saturday March 28 2026 Winners will be announced the following day.)

Reader’s Choice Giveaway – Spring 2026 Edition – Historical Fiction

Spring may be shy about making an appearance this year, but we can still look forward to the new season by exploring all the new releases coming out in April, May and June 2026.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These giveaways are available in paperback or ebook format to US and Canadian readers. Ebooks available internationally if you have a .com kindle account (US Amazon)

Historical Fiction Giveaway Day

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the books in the Historical Fiction genre you would like to win.

Historical Fiction – a full length story or novella or collection of novellas set any time period before 1980. May cross genres such as YA, Suspense, Amish etc and may include dual timelines.

How does it work?

Easy Peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES

Publication date must be April, May or June 2026

Each day is genre specific, so only submit titles from that genre

Christian Fiction books only please!

You can offer up to three suggestions per genre day BUT they need to be made in 3 separate comments (easier for me to keep track of.)

No email entries this time round since WP comments are working

OF SPECIAL NOTE: IF YOU HAVEN’T COMMENTED ON THIS BLOG BEFORE, YOUR FIRST COMMENT WON’T APPEAR UNTIL I APPROVE IT. AFTER THAT YOUR COMMENTS WILL POST AUTOMATICALLY.

Entrants must submit their own selections (no piggybacking on someone else’s log in.)

WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON

Sunday March 29 2026

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon EST on Saturday March 28 2026 Winners will be announced the following day.)