Kav's Best Reads

A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro + Giveaway

A small dose of kindness can go a long way

Andy Clark has always been different. But it isn’t just the tumorous mass covering half his face that sets him apart—it’s his quiet kindness. As an anonymous do-gooder in Flatsboro, North Carolina, Andy lives out what his mama taught him, even though she’s no longer there.

Della Rose Miller, a well-known former beauty queen, escapes her crumbling marriage to arrogant Wade Miller and moves back to her hometown in hopes of finding reprieve. She and her daughter settle into a little Flatsboro apartment and quickly learn that they’re in the same complex as a childhood classmate whose heart Della Rose broke in third grade.

With her life turned upside down, Della Rose is uneasy about starting fresh, but when unassuming Andy turns his generosity toward her daughter, an unlikely friendship rekindles. When a heroic act suddenly pushes Andy into the spotlight, he risks his anonymity and quiet day-to-day habits to stand up for what’s right.

As Della Rose navigates the end of her marriage and Andy continues his secret philanthropy, they navigate grief and trusting God. Heather Norman Smith weaves a charming and heartwarming Southern story to remind you of the power of simple kindness.

My Review:

“A simple kindness could be the tap of a finger that started a domino effect of changes in someone’s life.” (p 70)

Well now, this book was the healing balm I didn’t know I needed! I’m not sure I can even convey what an impact ‘A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro’ had on me. Gentle, but profound, though it does pack a stunning emotional and spiritual punch as well.

Andy and his ‘do-good’ list is inspiring. And his contagious faith is, well, contagious. His outlook humbled me and the notes from his deceased mama both gutted and uplifted me.

Della Rose is the complete opposite of Andy’s steadfast faithfulness. Let’s just say she’s a work in progress. I could see God’s hand in the renewal of this childhood friendship at a time when they both are struggling with profound loss. This isn’t a romance and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s actually better than a romance!

If books could give empathetic hugs, this one would wrap its arms around you and never let go!

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 A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro, 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 28 2026

Deadly Commitment + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

When Danielle Kemp walks out of her downtown Nashville condominium, she gets the eerie feeling someone is watching her. As days go by, she becomes convinced the homeless man outside her building is stalking her. But after learning the real identity of the intimidating stranger, she faces something even more threatening–the truth about her fiancé.

Deadly Secrets is a new fiction series with southern charm and big-city twists. Set in the author’s hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, it is filled not only with intrigue and suspense but subtle glimpses into how God is at work in the lives of ordinary people doing ordinary jobs . . . or maybe they aren’t so ordinary after all.

My Review:

published in 2019

What an outstanding introduction to a new-to-me author! Edge of your seat suspense with a touch of romance kept me frantically listening to the audio book. Amy Lilly’s narration matched the tone and pacing of the story perfectly and made fora very compelling listen.

And, oh my, does this author know how to build suspense! We are dropped into the middle of Danielle’s seemingly perfect life but right from the start there’s tension. Doubt. Even fear. Something’s not right and the author slowly reveals exactly what one tiny step at a time.

Significant faith threads knit this story together in a meaningful way. You can see God working in Danielle’s life through the faithfulness of those He places in her path.

I try to ensure that I don’t reveal any plot points that aren’t represented in the synopsis so I’m struggling with what to say about the suspense without revealing anything. It’s compelling. Emotional. Part police procedural thanks to the POV of a law enforcement officer. There are even brief snippets from the villain’s POV. And we watch how it all plays out through Danielle’s perspective. The kind of suspense that engages your emotions and keeps your attention until the very end.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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 Deadly Commitment, 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 28 2026

Soot and Slipper + Giveaway

random retro read

Eugenie lives in isolation on her father’s estate, with only her elegant stepmother and two stepsisters for company. When the crown of Jacondria announces a series of royal masquerades, she yearns to go. However, her stepsisters’ fortunes hinge on them finding wealthy husbands, and Eugenie doesn’t want to interfere with their odds.

Enter a mischievous fairy who has other plans.

A scant few hours of light-hearted revelry seems harmless enough. By the fairy’s own rules, Eugenie can’t stay the whole night, and with everyone in costume, her stepfamily will never know she was there.

Really, how much trouble can result from attending a masquerade or two?

This novella is based on Charles Perrault’s “Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper”

My Review:

published in 2019

Delightfully familiar but also intriguingly unique. I really enjoyed this reimagining of one of my favourite fairy tales. I had so much fun spotting the similarities from the Cinderella of my childhood while marvelling at the author’s ingenuity as she brought fresh twists to the story. A short, sweet, captivating novella that utterly charmed me!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and available to any reader anywhere so – yay- another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Soot and Slippers, 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 28 2026.

Garden of the Midnights + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered.

As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?

He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?

Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights.

My Review:

published in 2023

An epic Gothic Regency Romance that delivers all the chills and thrills along with bucketloads of angst!

Linder has a rich storytelling style that begs to be savoured even as you feel the pressure to barrel through and get to the happily ever after before your heart is splintered into a thousand pieces! (Yes, I might sound a bit dramatic but…this story…these characters…their struggles!!!!)

Love the way the author builds up the mystery elements, starting with the intriguing first chapter. She often left me with more questions than answers about both William and Isabella. Every chapter hinted and teased as truths are ever so slowly revealed bit by tiny bit.

William has just as many questions as I had and finding answers is literally a matter of life and death! Isabella might be part of the secrets he’s trying to expose which complicates their relationship no end. Loved the way their friendship developed, bringing warmth and hope to their story despite the shadow of so many secrets.

Trust for this author and her talent for weaving a gentle thread of forgiveness, restoration and hope through all that trauma, kept me turning pages…even at the angstiest! An excruciatingly delightful 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 Garden of the Midnights, 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 28 2026

Conversations With Kav – What are you reading? + Giveaway

The Olympic Readathon Bingo stats have picked up over the last couple of week (heads up — one more week until the deadline – Feb 26 midnight EST) and I’ve discovered that I’m really getting a bibliophile thrill over what you’ve all been reading. It’s like a guilty pleasure every time I get an email. And you’re introducing me to new authors and titles I’ve never even heard of which is all kinds of fun! Yay for growing my Wishlist because…really, can a wish list ever be too long?! And sometimes I’m bouncing up and down because you’ve read a book that I have loved or you remind that oh, yeah, I have had that book on my TBR for a while now too!

I so appreciate random acts of book sharing! They often lead me to literary gems I likely would have passed over otherwise. I’m reading one of those right now – A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro by Heather Norman Smith. I don’t know who recommended it — whether it came out of a Bingo discussion or another conversation day or Reader’s Choice Week – but whoever you are -THANK YOU! This is the book I didn’t know I needed. And definitely one I wouldn’t have picked up on my own. Not a romance (gasp) at least, not yet anyway, but I’m so invested in these characters! And the plot and the setting….I’m just…enchanted!

So, today I thought it would be fun to share what we’re reading and I’ve added a giveaway twist so listen up:

The Giveaway:

Share the title and author of the book you are reading right now in a comment below
Include the title and author of another book that you don’t own but would love to add to your TBR. Book must already be available. If your name is drawn, that is the book you will win.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 28 2026.

Let’s talk!

February Giveaway – Week Three

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!

Cold Terror

Random Retro ReRead

Forensic artist, Hannah Perry’s skills made her a valuable asset to the police…
A young woman has been murdered. Her body unidentified. Her skull recently discovered by the police, and Hannah feels compelled to help find the killer. Even if she’s on a much-needed vacation on a secluded island with her young son. She could work on the reconstruction in the evenings while her son slept. But as the woman’s face takes shape, an assailant invades Hannah’s cabin and tries to end her life. Before he can permanently silence her, she and her son flee the island in a small boat. Trouble is, as they approach Cold Harbor, ocean waves capsize the boat, enveloping them both in cold terror.

But it also makes her the next target.
Former SEAL Gage Blackwell can’t believe his eyes as he plunges into the raging waters to rescue the pair. Owner of Blackwell Tactical—a law enforcement training facility and protection services agency—Gage pulls the woman he once loved from the angry ocean. When he learns of her attack, he vows to protect her while hunting down the killer. Alone and vulnerable, Hannah has to accept Gage’s protection—even if it means staying close to the man who’d once walked out on her without a backward glance.

My Review:

published in 2017

An exciting reread for me. I discovered this book back in 2023 and flew through it. Discovered the first three books of the Cold Harbor series on Audible Plus (thanks for the tip, Perrianne!) and I knew it was time to revisit this fave series.

A classic Sleeman romantic suspense. I love the way this author creates a cohesive team of captivating characters we get to follow through a whole series. The camaraderie, the banter, the friendships — all serve to anchor each story as the team supports the current hero and heroine. And you can always count on a buddy for some comic relief when things get tough!

After reading this first Cold Harbor book, I am officially a Blackwell Tactical groupie and I can’t wait to hear everyone’s stories! And since I’m late to the reading gate I get to read (or listen) to each book one after the other. Hooray for no delay times!

Hannah and Gage’s story starts off with nail-biting intensity and the tension doesn’t let up until the very end. Their second chance romance if filled with all kinds of angst as they dodge the bad guys and try to figure out who wants Hannah dead — and why! I listened to the audio version which upped the angst-factor since I couldn’t race ahead — an especially sweet kind of torture. 🙂

My Phony Valentine + Giveaway

random retro read

A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.
Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.

My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.

Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.

When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.

A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.

But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.

My Review:

published in 2023

Eeeeppp!!! Stellar meet-cute!!!!!! And it leads to fake dating!!!!!! And then…feelings!!!!!!

“The air between us thickens. Two people who’ve been hurt one too many times finally acknowledging out loud that those hurts affected them.”

Emotional, playful and inspiring – a perfect blend for a rom/com with all the swoons! Who knew I could become so addlepated over a hockey player hero? But Dallas is a man of hidden depths and the way he champions Poppy is swoonalicious! And she becomes the stability he craves.

I’m also enamoured with all the team banter and sister bonding. Walsh knows how to add zest to a story through exceptional secondary characters and I’m hoping a number of them get their own stories too. I need everybody (even the ornery one) to get their very own happily every after!

“A roar of laughter from the guys. They’re so loud, but they’re fun to watch. Like German Shepherd puppies, with their oversized paws, wrestling and knocking everything over.”

This book is the reason why Courtney Walsh is on my read-to-zero list this year!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of My Phony Valentine, 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

Last Light Over Galveston + Giveaway

Amid the 1900 Galveston hurricane, one woman’s perseverance is tested in this captivating story from the author whose work has been called “intelligent and arresting” ( Foreword Reviews ) and “historical fiction as it is meant to be told” ( Library Journal ).

“Old Galveston shines in this beautifully written tale of a woman’s quest to both lose herself and find herself.”
Lisa Wingate, #1New York Times bestselling author ofShelterwood

Galveston, Texas. September 1900. Only months ago, Kathleen McDaniel returned from finishing school in Switzerland to her family home in New York’s Hudson Valley with a future of promise and privilege set before her. But one horrific event shattered her picturesque life. Now she has fled as far as the train line and a pocketful of money would take her, finding refuge at the St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island, where she helps the nuns care for their young charges and prays her past will not find her. Despite her tenuous standing at the orphanage—and the grief and betrayal that drove her from home—Kathleen slowly begins to make friends. There is Emily, the novice nun she rooms with; Maggie, the tempestuous young girl who only bonds with Kathleen; and Matthew, a kind, handsome man recently employed by Isaac Cline at Galveston’s office of the US Weather Bureau.

Then in one fateful day, Kathleen’s fragile new life begins to crack as it becomes clear that she can’t run far enough to escape the reach of her former life. Meanwhile, as troubling news about a storm crossing the Gulf from Cuba swirls in the Weather Bureau offices, Matthew holds fast to Cline’s belief that no hurricane can touch Galveston. But as darkness falls on the island, Kathleen must gather her courage and reach for a strength beyond her own if she—and those she loves—are to survive.

A stand-alone historical novel about the 1900 Galveston hurricaneA gripping read inspired by true eventsFeatures themes of resilience, found family, and redemptionIncludes discussion questions perfect for book clubs.

My Review:

I love learning about history through my fiction and this book features two devastating events in American history that I had never even heard of before. Wright’s ability to convey the desperation, terror and sheer will to survive in the midst of uncontrolled chaos was mesmerizing. And inspiring!

We follow Kathleen through two timelines – a kind of ‘before’ and ‘after’ scenario fraught with tragedy. Not really a dual timeline story, more like historical fiction with flashbacks. The author expertly weaves the fractured pieces of Kathleen’s life into a joyous triumph by the end, but what an emotional journey she takes her readers on!

Kathleen doesn’t have to make that journey alone though. A rich cast of secondary characters layer the story with even more tension and emotion. And each one is in Kathleen’s life for a purpose. Wright takes as much care developing their stories as she does Kathleen’s. And that makes for an incredible page-turner of a read!

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 Last Light Over Galveston, 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.

Lost Cause + Giveaway

Working together is a challenge…
Detective Burke Ulrich is known for his unyielding dedication to justice and his methodical approach to solving crimes. When a valuable family heirloom is stolen from a recluse’s rundown estate on Lost Island, Burke is called in to investigate. Despite the theft appearing straightforward, Burke senses there is more to the case, especially given the homeowner’s mysterious history. But when he can’t prove it or find the heirloom, his supervisor tells him to move on.

But catching a killer is their priority.
Enter former sheriff Abby Day, a sharp and resourceful Lost Lake Locator hired by the recluse to find the missing heirloom. Abby’s involvement immediately irritates Burke, who is wary of private investigators interfering in police work. However, as the investigation progresses, Burke and Abby uncover a complex web of deceit involving long-buried family secrets, and a string of unsolved crimes connected to the estate, ultimately uncovering a murder. Burke orders Abby off the investigation to protect her, but will she listen, or will she risk her life and a potential relationship with Burke to catch a killer?

My Review:

I absolutely love the way Susan Sleeman builds a team! The rapport, banter, professionalism, eclectic mix of personalities able to work together — all brilliantly developed and so much fun!!!!! Not only do we get to enjoy the ‘Lost Lake Locators’ in this third book in the series, but we get to interact with some of the gang from ‘Cold Harbor‘ as well. Woohoo! (No worries if you aren’t up to date on either series – all of Sleeman’s books read well as standalones too.)

‘Lost Cause’ has a delightfully unexpected treasure hunt kind of vibe going on. As well as an isolated island setting in a house with some very interesting twists! Made the reading experience so much more exciting!

And then there’s the romance, though I will say this one has more of a mystery/suspense focus. The romance is there, but it’s more of a slow burn. Both Abby and Burke are reluctant to get involved. They’ve worked together before, felt a connection but didn’t pursue it. Now they are faced with the same attraction and another inopportune time.

Love that they were upfront about their feelings right from the start and talked about how they were going to deal with it going forward. There’s all kinds of energy crackling around them, but both have trust issues and know it so they aren’t willing to act on anything. Such a refreshing approach to a romance, because, of course, their stubborn resistance dissolves by the end of the book!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Whitney Dykhouse who does an amazing job with these characters. She’s become a familiar voice in my audible listening, largely thanks to Susan Sleeman’s novels. I enjoy the energy she brings to her narrations and the way she captures the personalities of all the characters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Of note: Lost Cause is currently available on Audible Plus (Canada, anyway) for members. Not sure about the US.

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 Lost Cause, 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.