Kav's Best Reads

The Seaside Homecoming + Giveaway

A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light. . . .

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to lose her place and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire sees an advertisement from someone looking for a “respectable female partner” in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign? She answers the ad, hoping she has not made another reckless mistake. When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he’s hiding and if he’s any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Claire is drawn to him even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past.

Meanwhile, the Summers family learns their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or deepen the divide?

Return to the picturesque Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.

My Review:

I was completely hooked from the atmospheric first sentence: “Bleak. The weather, her mood, her life.” Klassen caught my attention and kept it captive for the entire read. Her masterful storytelling never fails to transport me to another time and place. Every word begs to be savoured and there’s no hurrying me through a Klassen novel.

I was especially excited because this is Claire’s story – the exiled sister who brought shame to the Summers family. She’s been referenced in previous books in the ‘On Devonshire Shores‘ series, but this is our first ‘real live’ meeting. And oh my, but do I have big feelings! Gah! Her mother, in particular! The idea that there can be no forgiveness from Claire’s transgression is mind boggling. One mistake not only wipes out a chance at a decent future for her, but it casts a shadow over her sisters as well.

This is very much a redemption story , both for Claire and her entire family. Watching the sisters rebuild their relationship was emotionally satisfying. Klassen doesn’t dwell on Claire’s painful past, but she doesn’t shy away from the long-reaching consequences either. Her story is told with tenderness and compassion and energized by the glimmer of hope at long last.

One of the strengths in Julie Klassen’s storytelling comes from the sense of community she brings through her intriguing secondary characters and charming side stories. So easy to lose myself in tension, drama and humour courtesy of the unique mix of characters populating this remarkable story. So many sumptuous layers to delve into! Which includes a romance! I championed Claire every step of the way to her second chance at a happily every after!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Seaside Homecoming, 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 February 21 2026

Conversations With Kav – Upcoming Publishing Trends

I recently came across an instagram post ( books.on.the.grange) about publishing trends that I found really interesting so I thought I would share. The creators are a copyeditor and a former literary agent, so they’re in the know. They talk about the rapid changes in the publishing industry and I have to say, some points really surprised me and some just made me plain sad. But there’s good news too so here’s the scuttlebutt!

Slashed Library Budgets Across the US.

I’ve noticed this in Canada too. I’ve heard of a number of library systems both in the US and Canada that have cancelled Hoopla (which makes me wanna weep) and in my public library, new additions to Libby have been cut back quite a bit, especially the audio books. (Cue the soundtrack of me weeping.)

Print books are still being ordered – just not as many. I’m guessing the higher price of books, paper, production etc. is the culprit. And that makes sense – library budgets haven’t increased at the same rate as the cost of book production. I’m still so grateful for the books I’m able to check out from my library. I have over thirty out right now so it’s not like I’m left with nothing to read!

Increasing Book Bans – Especially for Children’s Books

This is definitely a controversial topic though not unexpected. Personally, I am not a supporter of book bans. Libraries provide material to meet the needs of all their patrons, and that means they have a mandate to offer a wide cross section of books. They should not be forced to narrow down their collection in order to meet the criteria of a small subset of patrons. Easy enough for all of us to pick and choose what we want to read and just ignore the rest.

School libraries are a bit trickier. I was a school librarian for twenty odd years – elementary schools along with a few years in the school board’s Central Library. A common sense approach to collection development can head off a lot of headaches. But again, the collection should reflect the community it serves and that sometimes means controversy but it shouldn’t automatically mean book banning.

Middle Grade Books are Being Scaled Back

I find this rather alarming! Understandable though when you look at the first two points – library cuts and book bans. Sadly that’s making publishers wary. And there’s a move towards more graphic novels, which I find kinda sad.

More Investment in Adult Books

This really surprised me. There seems to be a resurgence of interest in reading in our adult populations. Yay! In fact some children’s authors are being encouraged to switch to writing for adults! I find this partly encouraging – yay for more adults getting back into reading – but yikes, who will be our future adult readers if we’re cutting back on books for our younger readers?

Increases in Printing Costs

Tariffs and inflation affect every aspect of book production which makes publishers more risk adverse. I’ve definitely noticed less new releases per publishing house when we make up our Reader’s Choice Week wish lists! I’ve also noticed that some publishers are skipping the print editions altogether and only publishing ebook and audio.

Overall, Author Advances are Lower

That doesn’t directly affect us as readers, but I hate to think of authors not being fairly compensated for the amount of work they put into their novels. Plus, if they can’t make a decent wage with their writing they might have to spend more time earning money to support themselves which means fewer books down the road for us! (Is that a selfish take or what?!

AI is clogging up Agents’ inboxes!

This one kinda stuns me. Apparently so many AI generated queries are being sent to agents that it’s taking valuable time to weed through them all. Most publishing houses have anti-AI policies (as they should!) so it’s taking some effort to filter out the AI content submissions. Which is discouraging and must be so frustrating for them! And potential authors waiting for a reply to their genuine manuscripts!

More Indie Books are Converting to Traditional Publishing

This one is another surprise. I would have thought it would be the opposite since traditional publishers are releasing fewer books. It seems they are looking for a sure thing so they are scoping out popular indie authors and signing them up. Makes sense, I guess, since those authors already have an online presence and if they’ve made enough of a name to be noticed by a big publishing firm, then they will come with a huge following which would be a marketing dream.

Big Publishers are Investing in Christian Publishing

Gobsmacked! Whaaattt???? Good news for us because some of the big publishers are expanding their Christian imprints, increasing new titles each year! Exciting to think that we readers are making a difference in the industry just by buying Christian Fiction (or requesting it for our libraries.) Woohoo!

Indie Bookstores are making a comeback!

This is really exciting. Unexpected, but exciting. I actually have two indie bookstores fairly close to me. One is within walking distance (well 30 minutes) and the other is a short bus ride a way. They are both fairly new – The Spaniel’s Tale is about five years old and Westboro Books is maybe two. I honestly thought one of them wouldn’t survive because they are pretty close. Just two neighbourhoods away from each other in an urban setting. But they both have unique spins on marketing and different focuses so they kind of compliment each other too. US indie bookstores have actually increased by 70% in the last five years! That’s amazing!

Film Adaptations Galore

There are a ton of popular fiction being adapted for the big screen and TV. In fact, it seems like books are being used as the inspiration for quite a lot of film creations which is all kinds of exciting (as long as they stick to the plot!!!!)

Lots of conversational talking points here so feel free to chime in with your thoughts in the comments! I look forward to chatting with you!

February Giveaway – Week Three

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

It’s sunny and warm(ish) and I’m celebrating finally feeling better by going for a walk this afternoon. Woohoo! And I actually made it to the post office yesterday to mail the five (!) books I still owed. So sorry for the delay in getting them out. Everyone should get their books in about a week or so…except for the one headed for Australia – that will be 2-3 weeks. The US has changed the declaration forms…again…making things a bit more complicated but, hopefully all the books will make it to their destinations without incident! Fingers crossed!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS WEEK’S WINNERS!

won by Sabrina

won by Diane Estrella

won by Diane Flowers

won by Tracey

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!

Murder in a Cornish Teashop

A Cornish clifftop, a sunny afternoon, a quaint little teashop… but wait a minute. Is that jam, or blood? Maddie Penrose is determined to find out!

Maddie Penrose is staying with her beloved grandmother, Nor, at her gorgeously idyllic Cornish farm. She’s looking forward to days helping out in Nor’s little teashop and evenings wandering down the cliff path to watch the sunset. But before Maddie has even finished serving up scones on her first morning, a man bursts through the Nor’s neighbour Clive has found a body in the field behind the teashop…

Maddie is straight to the scene, fancying herself as a bit of an Agatha Christie. But solving this mystery is far from a piece of cake. Her list of suspects is jam-packed with locals, with some a little too close to the newcomer renting out one of Nor’s barns is acting suspiciously, the victim’s boyfriend has disappeared without trace, and Clive isn’t really Maddie’s cup of tea either…

But the proof is in the pudding when there’s another murder – her prime suspect is dead. And when Maddie finds a backpack belonging to the first murder victim, her diligent notetaking and quick thinking leads her to discover that the killer will act again, and soon. Maddie is horrified to discover that it looks like she is their next target…

Can Maddie and Nor work as a team to piece together the puzzle? Or will murdering Maddie be the icing on the cake for the killer?

My Review:

I’m really excited about this new cozy mystery series (and new-to-me author!) A foodie/farm cozy is always a draw but throw in a Cornish setting and I’m a tad shy of giddy! Love, love, looovvveee!!!!

The perfect blend of cozy details paired with intriguing mystery ones. Amateur sleuth, Maddie can’t help but be drawn to the murder virtually on her doorstep. And, as the new girl in town, she has lots to learn both about village history and the folk living there. Her irascible gran, Nor, makes for a lively partner in crime…when she’s willing to part with crucial information, that is! And then there’s the appealing detective who easily charms Maddie (and me!) I do so love a light touch of romance in my cozies!

Praying for many more Maddie Penrose mysteries in my reading future!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of Murder in a Cornish Teashop, expertly narrated by Harrie Dobby. Her performance brought these characters to life, giving unique voices to match a myriad of personalities. Such a fun listen! Highly recommend.

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

Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time

Random Retro Read

What if you stumbled into a timeless party, in a secret garden only you could see?

Kelsey Willoughby doesn’t have time to pursue her writing dreams. Imagination doesn’t pay the bills, and she’s busy saving her beautiful city bookshop from online competition, hotel developers, and the sneaking suspicion that nobody reads anymore.

Not to mention all those voices telling her she doesn’t have talent.

But then the vacant lot of weeds next door starts to shimmer.

When Kelsey stumbles into a luminous nighttime garden party, larger than the vacant lot that holds it and filled with enigmatic guests, she suspects they hold the key to saving the bookshop, and perhaps even to her own mysterious origins.

But answers aren’t forthcoming, not until Kelsey is willing to confront her past, step into her potential, and push deeper into the unknown edges of the garden, where an unexpected journey takes her into a world of dangerous revelation.

My Review:

This book has been on my TBR for quite some time. It’s also way out of my comfort zone so I kept avoiding it. 🙂 But then I added “Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time” to my ’26 in ’26’ list and here we are. I thought I’d get it over with right at the start of the year too! Bwahahaha! That makes it sound like a chore to read, but it wasn’t at all.

I was captivated – Higley’s evocative storytelling touched my reader’s heart and there are so many wonderfully bookish connections throughout the entire read. And what a ‘novel’ adventure! I honestly didn’t know what was happening half the time. There were a few plot points I figured out early on, but so much more of the story was mysteriously engaging. And the description of Kelsey’s bookstore? What a bibliophile delight! Well worth the read just for that part!

I’d categorize this as a speculative novel with allegorical elements and a healthy dose of magical realism. It’s written in such a way that I think every reader will come away with their own truths. For me, this is a story that celebrates the strength in community, a theme that plays out over and over again in so many different ways. An uplifting, often intriguing and sometimes confusing read.

Taming Lady Temperance + Giveaway

When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail?

Noreen O’Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she’s invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her–including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O’Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can’t afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who’s captured his heart–knowing either choice could cost him everything.

My Review:

Karen Witemeyer’s latest western romance evokes the classic feel of vintage black and white films. Everything is comfortingly familiar – the small town with cowboy vibes, a deputy hero, a strong willed heroine with plenty of backbone and a few villainous types common to the genre. So, ‘Taming Lady Temperance‘ delivers all the comforts of a much loved genre while adding her own refreshing twists to liven things up even more.

Lighthearted banter blends with deeply emotional scenes, creating an unputdownable kind of read. I’ll be honest, Noreen was a bit too abrasive for my liking in the beginning. She’s prickly and defiant and even manipulative in order to get what she wants. Her cause – temperance – is a noble one and she has understandable reasons for being so rigidly relentless but I still found it hard to connect with her in the first few chapters. But, oh my, what phenomenal character growth that includes a significant faith thread! Kept me mesmerized and anxiously cheering Noreen on all the way through to the end.

James is the exact opposite. Gentle, understanding, even amused over Noreen’s tenacity. He’s also brilliant at speaking gospel truths into her life, whether she likes it or not. And as he starts to reach her and their friendship develops into something deeper, well…happy sighs of toe-curling delight!

This is the first book in The Secret Society of Spinsters series and I really like the way the author has set things up for future books especially when it comes to the intriguing society and Noreen’s friends. I’m really looking forward to reading their happily ever after journeys!

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Taming Lady Temperance’ and enjoyed the familiar voice of Kate Forbes. Her narration brought the Old West charm to life and made for an unstoppable listening experience..

My thanks to RBMedia and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Taming Lady Temperance, 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 February 14 2026.

The Bird of Bedford Manor + Giveaway

Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.

Reader favorite Michelle Griep has penned yet another masterpiece with this page-turning adventure that has it romanceclever turn-of-phrasecolorfully memorable characterscharming British setting

My Review:

Eeeeepppp!!! ‘The Bird of Bedford Manor’ will definitely make my top ten books read in 2026 list (if I ever dared to make one!) But, honestly, Griep delivers everything that draws me into a story. A romance simmering with emotion, the desperate longing for an impossible love, an intriguing mystery complete with a sinister villain and a hero and heroine on faith journeys that touched my heart.

“I do not have to define myself by the measures of what has been done to me, but by the measure of what God has done for me.”

This is the kind of story that’s impossible to put down. Griep’s storytelling is exceptionally beautiful. Her words evoke images and touched all my senses. I didn’t just read this book, I lived through.

Well, listened, actually. Another brilliant audio book ‘read’ narrated by Nan McNamara, who does an incredible job with all these characters. Her performance enhances Griep’s storytelling creating a stunning collaboration of talent.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Bird of Bedford Manor, 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 February 14 2026.

Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse + Giveaway

In 1874, a battered woman awakens atop a forgotten gravesite by Lake Superior. Identified only by the locket around her neck inscribed with the name Rebecca, she seeks refuge with an elderly lighthouse keeper named Edgar. But as Rebecca struggles to remember who she is, she finds herself haunted by the lingering memories of Annabel, a mysterious woman who perished in the unforgiving waves of Lake Superior years earlier. With the spirit of Annabel seemingly reawakened, and an unknown adversary on the hunt to silence Rebecca once and for all, there is more at stake than just reclaiming her own memories. Rebecca must reclaim Annabel’s as well.

In the present day, author and researcher Shea Radclyffe escapes to the lighthouse outside a historic mining town in Michigan, seeking clarity about her failing marriage. Instantly drawn to the lighthouse’s landlord, Shea contends with the vengeful legend of Annabel’s ghost and a superstitious community that has buried the secrets surrounding a decade-old murder. As the secrets harbored around Annabel’s lighthouse unravel, Shea must navigate a fight of torn loyalty, self-discovery, and the haunting forces of love and a vengeance that should have drowned a century before.

An acclaimed “expert in her element” (Booklist), Jaime Jo Wright once again delivers a bone-chilling dual-time suspense novel that will leave readers turning the pages all night long.

My Review:

An emotionally charged story set at a haunted lighthouse with lots of Gothic flare? Written by master storyteller, Jaime Jo Wright? Yes please! And the way the author builds the mystery between timelines with chilling precision adds to the thrilling atmospheric ambience. In fact, she delivers page-turning perfection right from the very start.

The brilliance of Jaime Jo Wright’s talent is in the way she manages to infuse eerie paranormal impossibilities with the reality of faith-filled probabilities. I feel like she surpassed herself in this latest book — astounding!

Vulnerable heroines searching for answers and finding themselves in the process. Heroes in unexpected places. Mysteries and secrets carried over generations. Hope in the midst of despair. ‘Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse’ is haunting and poignant and ultimately the kind of story that leaves you slightly stunned by the end.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse, 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 February 14 2026.

Conversations with Kav – Valentine’s Day Book Tag + Giveaway

‘Tis that time of year when a young (or old) reader’s fancy turns to books…well, technically, that’s all the time…but today we’re going to celebrate the love of all things bookish in honour of St. Valentine’s Day with a:

Valentine’s Day Book Tag and Giveaway

To participate in the giveaway simply answer one or two (or as many as you want) Book Tag questions in a comment. You’ll be entered in a draw for either a Baker Book House or Amazon gift card (value $10). US and Canada entries only. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 14 2026.

The Questions:

First book crush
A book you love that no one else is talking about.
Standalone book you love
Favourite Love Triangle
Favourite Book Couple
Book that other people love but you don’t.
A book that depicts a favourite romance trope.
This year’s Valentine’s Day Read

My Answers:

First Book Crush

It’s a tie — between Gilbert Blythe and Jim Frayne. I started reading both series at the same time and discovered the wonders of book boyfriends.

Is it weird that I still get swoony when I look at these images of Trixie Belden and Jim Frayne? I think if I had to choose between Gilbert and Jim, I’d have to pick Jim. And now I need to reread some of my Trixie Belden books!

A Book I Love That No One Else is Talking About

This book never got the attention it deserved. My first experience with WhiteCrown Publishing and I was impressed. Still get twitterpated when I think about it!

Standalone Book I Love

I’ve been meaning to revisit this one too. Might even have been my first Christian Fiction rom/com!

Favourite Love Triangle

No. Just. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Favourite Book Couple:

Way too many to pick just one but I’ll say Freddie and Grace because I recently read The Juliet Code and am gearing up to read The Highland Heist. They’re just such a great couple and since it’s a five book series, we’re given ample time to really bond with them. Love how Pepper Basham has kept their romance alive in every book. Fun to see a happily ever after play out.

Book That Other People Love and You Don’t

A Book That Depicts a Favourite Romance Trope

Not sure if magical realism is considered a trope, but I love it! This book was such a great surprise.

This Year’s Valentine’s Day Read:

Been on my TBR for awhile. I read the second book (St. Patrick’s Day) first and it’s time I got around to this one. Plus — woohoo, hockey hero so it counts for the Olympics Readathon!

You’re turn. Let’s get the conversation started!