Kav's Best Reads

Through Rushing Water + Giveaway

When the life she planned for herself is snatched away, Sophia’s eyes open to the life God has planned for her.

Sophia Makinoff is sure that 1876 is the year she’s going to become the wife of an up-and-coming congressman. But when the congressman humiliates her by proposing to her mousy roommate, Sophia wants nothing more than to disappear and avoid the wedding plans. She grasps at her first opportunity for escape and signs up for the Board of Foreign Missions.

She thinks she’ll be going to China . . . but even running away doesn’t go as planned when she’s instead sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the Dakota Territory. It’s an abysmal, primitive place for a lady of society, but as she gets to know the people, she discovers she can’t abandon them. The motives that led her there were anything but pure, but she finds a new purpose in trying to protect “the least of these.”

The water rushes around her—literally and figuratively—as Sophia learns that the only way to fulfill her purpose is to ignore the distractions and focus on God’s leading.

My Review:

published in 2012

A historical romance with substance. You’ll relive a piece of American history that should never be forgotten. The plight of Native Americans is heart-wrenching to read — the blatant prejudice, well-meaning ignorance, mis-guided charity — well let’s just say there’s enough fodder to drive a tender-hearted reader into despair.

Thank goodness for Sophia and Will. Their passion for the Ponca people and their way of life is a refreshing change — though will it be enough to change the course of the tribe’s fate? Well, you’ll just have to read Through Rushing Water to find out.

When I first started reading I wasn’t sure if I would like Sophia. She wasn’t shallow exactly, but definitely single-minded with a teensy lean towards entitlement — looking forward to becoming a congressman’s wife and the place in society that would afford her. Those dreams are quickly dashed and on the rebound she volunteers as a missionary to exotic China. It’s when she finds herself in the Dakota Territories instead that we really see what Sophia is made of. Richmond has given her a fascinating background which has uniquely prepared her for all she encounters.

And it’s as I watched Sophia come into her own that I came to love her. Much like Will, I was dubious at first, but quickly enchanted, astonished, and entertained by Sophia’s antics. And humour in unexpected places! Oh my, I’m still grinning!

This is the kind of the book that has your alternately laughing and crying and screaming out in frustration not to mention sighing over the slow and exacting romantic development. Definitely a fulfilling and thought-provoking read. Bravo, Catherine Richmond

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and open to any reader anywhere in the world so, yay, an International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Through Rushing Water, 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 May 30 2026

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Contemporary + 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 (wouldn’t you love to be there?!)

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 —Contemporary 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.

Contemporary Finalists

Before I Go : Frank’s Story by Marilyn K. Blair – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Frank Happy hoped he could flee the violence that plagued his growing up years and start a new life with his mother and brother in the quiet coastal town of Eastport, Maine. But building a life when anger resides on one shoulder and fear on the other is not an easy task.

Delving deep into the complexities of family relationships and the devastating consequences of anger and unforgiveness, Before I Go, the prequel to the first novel of The Eastport Series, takes you on a tender, faith-filled, and at times gut-wrenching journey through Frank Happy’s life–from his teenage years through adulthood.

Fans of Lisa Wingate and Jan Karon will want to add this gripping tale to their collections.

What the River Keeps by Cheryl Grey Bostrom – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Hildy Nybo is a successful biologist, her study of the Pacific Northwest’s wild fish both a passion and a career. But behind her professional brilliance, Hildy’s reclusive private life reflects a childhood fraught with uncertainty. Despite her father’s love and her mother’s sympathy, she grew up constantly losing even her most cherished belongings, unable to recall where she misplaced them. Haunted by the confusion of those early years, she now records her life in detailed diaries and clings tightly to memory-prompting keepsakes.

Then her mother’s health fails, and Hildy accepts a job near her childhood home, joining a team of scientists who will help restore her beloved Elwha River after the demolition of two century-old dams. There Hildy settles into one of the cabins on her family’s rustic resort—a place she both loves and dreads, for reasons she can’t fully explain.

When local artist Miranda Rimmer rents an adjacent cabin for her pottery studio, Hildy shrinks from such a close neighbor. But then Miranda’s carpenter brother, Luke, shows up to help with construction and captures Hildy’s attention. Now a few years beyond a tragedy that brought him to his knees, Luke recognizes a kindred soul in Hildy, and they build a relationship that dismantles the walls Hildy’s built to keep people out. As troubling pieces of the past surface, Hildy dares to wonder if she can banish the shadows that have burdened her and follow her river’s course to freedom.

A compelling story of forgiveness, redemption, and overcoming painful secrets that explores the beauty of the natural world

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher – Revell – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

She’s ready for adventure–isn’t she?

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she’s spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It’s the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she’s eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn’t as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain–and the bears–better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. But they’re not the only ones with an interest in the park’s most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

A clean, kisses-only contemporary romance and summer read by Suzanne Woods Fisher for wildlife, travel, and photography enthusiasts set in Grand Teton National Park.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 30 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK.

Conversations With Kav – It’s Indie Day! + Giveaway

It’s the fourth Sunday of the month and time for a new blog tradition – celebrating our independently published authors! I’m trying to read more indie books and have been thrilled to get all kinds of great recommendations from you guys so I thought it would be fun to set aside one day a month where we can chat about indie books as a way to support these hardworking, often overlooked authors.

what we’re reading
new release alerts
recommended authors

Here’s a snapshot of the indie books I read since we chatted last month:

As you can tell, it’s heavy on the cozy mysteries, especially one particular author. Eryn Scott is a fairly new-to-me author and I have become obsessed! I’ve added her to my ‘read to zero’ list and I’m well on my way! Eryn writes clean (no swears, no innuendos etc.) cozy mysteries with a wonderful combination of cozy vibes and heartfelt mysteries. Her heroines are relatable, insatiably curious, sometimes bordering on TSTL but never crossing the line 🙂 and, bonus, all the series I’ve read so far develop a sweet romance that slowly builds with each book. Absolute cozy perfection as far as I’m concerned! I highly recommend checking out Eryn Scott if you are a cozy mystery fan like me. And, FYI, a lot of her books are on Kindle Unlimited.

Eryn Scott series I have read and loved:

Murder at the Morrisey Mysteries – setting is in a boutique apartment building in Seattle and features a friends to more romance
Whiskers and Words Mysteries — features a bookstore that doubles as a cat rescue centre. I thought I had finished this series but I see that more books have come out so, yay, more visits to Button for me!
Pebble Cove Mysteries – a lightly paranormal (ghosts) tea room cozy with the most romantical subplot I’ve come across in a cozy mystery series. I was so invested in these characters!
The Stoneybrook Mysteries – a fun twin connection, Hadley is the amateur sleuth while her brother is the deputy working the official investigation. I’ve just read the first three so far and I am loving this series too!

Two Independently Published May Releases I am looking forward to:

A lonely single mom
Simone Avery has been doing life on her own for the past sixteen years. The last thing she needs is to fall for her next-door neighbor who’s only in town for the summer. Love’s not in the cards for her. It wasn’t in the past, not now, and not in the future. She’s easily forgettable.

A man looking for his next steps
Derrick Benjamin just retired from the United States Air Force at God’s bidding and has no clue what’s next. The last thing he expected to find on his summer vacation is a woman he can’t forget and a town that makes him want more from life.

God’s plan in the works
Will Derrick and Simone find an ever after that lasts beyond the summer? Or will heartache anchor their futures?

Ooopppsss — my mistake this isn’t an indie release — it’s published by Barbour Fiction

Can the Matchmaker Find True Love?
Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma–only without her Mr. Knightley.

Giveaway Opportunity:

US – paperback or ebook (check to make sure the book you choose has the edition you want, some seem to only be in ebook format.)

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible (if available) and also confirm that the book comes int he format you want

International – ebook if you have a US kindle account

You suggest an independently published Christian Fiction (or Clean Romance) already in print and leave the title and author in a comment and you will be entered in the giveaway. If your name comes up, then that’s the book you will win

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 30 2026

May Giveaway – Week Four

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!

Monday

Carol Awards – Historical Fiction – 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.

At Bluebonnet Lake + Giveaway

random retro reread

Her life is set to warp speed. His is slowing to a crawl. But love has its own timing.

Marketing maven Kate Sherwood’s world is fast-paced, challenging, and always changing. The last thing she wants to do is grind to a halt at Rainbow’s End, a dilapidated resort in the Texas Hill Country. Still, she cannot deny her ailing grandmother’s request to visit the place where she and her deceased husband spent one glorious week fifty years ago. There, Kate meets Greg, who appears to be the resort’s unassuming handyman. But there’s more to Greg than meets the eye–billions more, in fact.

Kate isn’t looking for romance, but she can’t deny the sparks of attraction that fly every time she and Greg are together. Could there be a future there? Or will Kate’s long-sought promotion take her back to the big city?

The last thing Kate Sherwood needs is a man, so why is she so drawn to the handsome handyman at the Rainbow’s End resort?

Amanda Cabot invites you to step into a place away from the pressures of the day. You might be surprised by what you find at Rainbow’s End.

My Review:

published in 2014

Wow — so excited that this is the first in the Texas Crossroads series. Not only is ‘At Bluebonnet Lake’ a stunning contemporary romance, but Cabot has laid some wonderful groundwork for the future books. She says there will be at least two more. I’m hoping for way more than that.

Love the whole idea behind Rainbow’s End. The symbolism brings a certain magic to the story. But the physical resort is completely captivating too. I totally want to visit — especially if I get to meet Kate and Greg in person.

Don’t you just love it when romance takes a heroine unawares? Especially a ladder-climbing executive type who has no intention of setting foot in Texas again after this one vacation with her grandmother. Never say never, Miss Kate Sherwood, especially when God has different plans for your future.

Though Kate is career-oriented, she’s kind, compassionate, funny and dedicated to her grandmother. Really, why would Greg even try to resist? Well, he doesn’t try hard, though he is at a crossroads of his own and hesitates to add romance into the mix.

There is a great inspirational thread seamlessly woven into the very fibre of this story. I love how natural it felt — and though both Kate and Greg are Christians, they learn a lot about trusting God not just with their future, but their present and their past as well. Some really powerful testimonies touched me during the course of this read.

Simply put — ‘At Bluebonnet Lake’ is a special blend of inspiration and romance that will lift your spirit and touch your heart. It doesn’t get any better than that, right?

Giveaway Opportunity:

This giveaway is for a gently read copy, available to any reader anywhere so, YAY, open to International Readers.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of At Bluebonnet Lake, 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 May 23 2026.

Mists Over the Channel Islands + Giveaway

The German invasion of the British Channel Islands shatters Dr. Ivy Picot’s peaceful world, forcing her to shoulder the weight of her father’s medical practice and hold together a family unraveling under the strain of war. As conditions worsen in Jersey with the arrival of thousands of forced laborers, Ivy’s quiet allegiance to the Allies compels her to risk everything–providing medical aid to escaped workers even as danger closes in.

Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee volunteers to build fortifications for the Germans so he can secretly send maps and diagrams to the Allies. On his arrival in the Channel Islands, he crosses paths with Ivy, who shows him contempt for the uniform he wears. As tensions mount and their missions grow increasingly dangerous, Ivy and Gerrit must confront the cost of courage, the meaning of sacrifice, and whether love can survive in the shadow of war. Will their covert efforts turn the tide–or will they pay the ultimate price for defiance?

A renowned author of World War II fiction, Sundin showcases a compelling tale of loyalty and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

My Review:

Sarah Sundin has an uncanny knack for showcasing lesser known aspects of World War II history in her fiction and ‘Mists Over the Channel Islands’ is a stunner! She captures the day to day life under Nazi occupation with devastating reality. And, oh my, but the emotional rollercoaster she took me on!

There’s the slowly simmering enemies to more romance that kept me on edge right to the very end. Ivy in particular, can’t see past Gerrit’s brown uniform and he doesn’t blame her. She can’t know that he is an underground resistance operative, not only for his mission’s success, but her safety as well. So he admires Ivy from afar and I completely lost my heart to him. His secret yearning undid me. The man is noble and loyal and fiercely protective. Swoony sigh!

And then there’s Ivy, fighting an inner battle over her attraction to Gerrit even as she notices discrepancies in his behaviour. His actions don’t measure up to the brutal arrogance she has come to associate with the Nazi officers. I loved every scene they shared, their exchanges, the covert glances that held such promise if only…I was twisted all up in knots until Ivy and Gerrit could finally unveil their secrets. Because she has a pretty big one as well in her capacity as an island physician.

I so appreciated Ivy and Gerrit’s struggle to follow Jesus in the midst of all the madness. There’s a beautiful, thought provoking theme of choosing good that carries throughout the story. That sounds simplistic but it really isn’t. Ivy and Gerrit both grapple with their faith as they look for God in the increasingly darker places as the war closes in around them. They persevere by choosing the good in a million little ways every day but it isn’t until the very end of the story that they can look back and see the greater good God has done because of their choices. Total goose bumping ‘aha’ moment for me and a memorable takeaway as well. Thank you, Sarah Sundin!

And speaking of that ending…eeeeeppppp!!!!…if you are familiar with the author’s other books you are in for an extra thrill! Like I said, a stunner of a novel that will touch your heart and captivate your imagination and leave you a better person for having read it!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible copy – winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Mists Over the Channel Islands, 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 May 23 2026

Remember the Lilies + Giveaway

Random Retro ReRead

Irene and Rand come from very different walks of life. Will they find common ground in their fight to survive?

Irene has grown up in the jungle as a missionary with her Aunt Anita, but now she and countless others are imprisoned by Japanese soldiers at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in the Philippines. Irene and her aunt are safe there, and she keeps busy with her duty of delivering censored messages to the camp’s prisoners, but like everyone else, she prays for the war to end and for her freedom.

Rand is a wealthy, womanizing American, whose attempted escape from the internment camp has put himself and others in danger. When Rand and Irene’s Aunt Anita meet one another in the hospital, Irene learns more of his story and her heart is determined to save his family. But the danger outside the walls of the hospital worsens every day, and life in this exotic place is anything but luxurious. Can Irene find Rand’s family before they disappear forever? And can a humble missionary woman and an arrogant man find common ground in the face of their biggest fears?

My Review:

published in 2015

I have been enjoying the host of Christian fiction World War II novels released recently and Remember the Lilies is another one going straight onto my keeper shelf. It’s an absorbing look into a very different aspect of the war and I really appreciated the fresh perspective.

Tolsma has done her research and brings the past to life in all it’s brutal desperation. This is a gripping read I found hard to put down…in places. Mind you, at other times I couldn’t close the book quickly enough to shut out the atrocities that burned heartbreaking images into my mind. This novel showcases both the very best and the very worst of humanity. A stunning tribute to the courage and tenacity of internment camp survivors.

Rand and Irene’s love story takes on a surreal quality set as it is against the stark background of a World War II internment camp. They come from extremely different pre-war worlds — his steeped in wealth and privilege — hers in a life of faith and service. They approach survival in the Santos Tomas camp in very different ways but as time passes, emotions and values shift and they find themselves gravitating towards one another. The incongruity of romance in the midst of such depravity sharpens the emotional impact of their story.

A beautiful celebration of courage and honour and commitment to a God who has plans beyond our own understanding.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and open to any reader anywhere in the world so, yay, an International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Remember the Lilies, 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 May 23 2026

For the Record + Giveaway

Random retro reread

Betsy Huckabee might be a small-town girl, but she has big-city dreams. Writing for her uncle’s newspaper will never lead to independence, and the bigger newspapers don’t seem interested in the Hart County news. Trying a new approach, Betsy pens a romanticized serial for the ladies’ pages, and the new deputy provides the perfect inspiration for her submissions. She’d be horrified if he read her breathless descriptions of him, but these articles are for a newspaper far away. No one in Pine Gap will ever know.

Deputy Joel Puckett didn’t want to leave Texas, but this job in tiny Pine Gap is his only shot at keeping his badge. With masked marauders riding every night, his skills and patience are tested, but even more challenging is the sassy journalist lady chasing him.

My Review:

published in 2016

Another lively gem from Regina Jennings. Love her mix of humour and angst and this one even has a mystery to unravel. All the ingredients for a spellbinding read.

There’s nothing quite like a doomed romance. From the moment Joel lays eyes on Betsy he knows she’s trouble. And she doesn’t cotton to him either — at least not right away. Though the writer in her is tempted to romanticize the dashing deputy even though he labels her the most bothersome woman he’s ever come across. They don’t court as much as they spar. Heated arguments that had me laughing out loud. Like: “I’m particularly incensed, three notches past riled. And you deserve to be doused with dredges of my vocabulary.” (p. 215)

Then there are the tender moments when things turn heatedly romantical. Be. Still. My. Heart. Can you say toe-curling kisses? Delicious! Tantalizing! And oh so sweet in the midst of the turbulence that surrounds them.

A scrumptious blend of romance, action and mystery for discerning readers who like to laugh while they swoon.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read copy, available to any reader anywhere so, YAY, open to International Readers.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of For the Record, 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 May 23 2026

Deadly Currents + Giveaway

Investigative journalist Cressida arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father’s manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the “ghost ship” Specter’s Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind–Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces.

County detective Braden is in Hidden Bay for one reason–to get his niece lifesaving medical treatment. To do that, he is assigned to protect Cressida from a revenge-driven enemy. Together, Braden and Cressida dig deeper to discern the myth from the facts surrounding the Specter’s Bounty. Entangled in secrets, they must unravel the past before it destroys their future.

Brace yourself for Elizabeth Goddard’s final adrenaline-inducing installment in the Hidden Bay series.

My Review:

“Brace yourself for Elizabeth Goddard’s final adrenaline-inducing installment in the Hidden Bay series.”

Brace yourself indeed! I’m still gobsmacked by the intrigue and hidden agendas and secrets! What a twisty-turny tale that builds to a crescendo of a series conclusion. No worries if you haven’t read the first two books in the ‘Hidden Bay’ series (though you should!) because ‘Deadly Currents’ reads very well as a standalone novel, but we do get the occasional cameo from some familiar characters which is always fun for seasoned fans.

I’m not sure I can find words to describe the suspense. Gripping just doesn’t cut it. Riveting? Compelling? Nope, not enough ‘oomph’ behind those descriptors, though they all definitely fit. It’s more than that – I was literally on edge, waiting with bated breath to figure it all out, to make the connections, to understand all the intricate layers. Spellbound from start to finish.

And Goddard strikes the perfect ratio between action scenes and ‘calmer’ ones. She gives us lots of time in between adrenaline rushes to explore Braden and Cressida’s backstories and relationship. Both are fraught with emotion and hidden depths. Even secrets. Love the push/pull in the romance even as I agonized over Braden’s well intentioned deception. What a thrill of a read!

Or listen in my case. I thoroughly enjoyed Chloe Pfeiffer’s excellent narration. Her portrayal of these characters was spot on and the way she conveyed high tension points and the desperation in the action scenes brought a next level sense of exhilaration to the story.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible copy – winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Deadly Currents, 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 May 23 2026

National Little Free Library Day! + Giveaway

Did you know that May 17th is National Little Free Library Day? I just found out and knew this would make a great Conversations With Kav topic…especially since it falls on the actual day. Woohoo, how fun is that?!

I made a collage of Little Free Libraries in my area – these images were captured from the official Little Free Library website. They have a map of all the registered Little Free Libraries so you can check out if there are any in your area. According to their stats there are LFLs in all 50 states plus 120 countries and over 300 million books have been shared worldwide! How cool is that? (Plus there are loads more that aren’t registered – 3 are in my immediate neighbourhood – so that means even more books shared!)

Important sidenote: the Little Free Library in the bottom left hand corner of the collage is at a church I’ll likely attend after I move. Eeeeepppp, they look like my kind of people!

Here’s a little blurb from the official website that explains the concept of Little Free Libraries:

“Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchange boxes.

Our vision is a Little Free Library in every community and a book for every reader. We believe all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege.“

Sounds like it was originally organized for the benefit of young readers but I know all the Little Free Libraries in my area do a rip-roaring adult business as well. I’ve donated some of my gently read books and I’m always tickled to find them gone when I check in at the Little Free Library days later. My subtle way of getting Christian Fiction out into the world one book at a time 🙂

So, I have questions (of course I do!) Are you a regular Little Free Library visitor? Or, eeeeppp, are you a steward of your very own Little Free Library?

And here’s the all important GIVEAWAY question:

What is the title of a book (Christian Fiction/ Closed Door) you would love to spy in a Little Free Library you frequent? The kind of book that would turn you giddy and set you to happy dancing in the street out of sheer bibliophile glee?! Share the title and author in a comment and if your name is drawn, that is the book you will win. Best Reads will become a virtual Little Free Library for the day! Awesomesauce!

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 23 2026.