Kav's Best Reads

A Deal With a Debutante + Giveaway

She’s running from London’s marriage mart. He’s running out of time to save his estate. Neither planned on falling in love—but their hearts have other plans.

American heiress Calliope Hart is thrust into London’s high society against her will, all because her mother is determined to marry her off to an aristocrat. Despite being named “the debutante of the season” back in New York, Calliope wants nothing more than to avoid becoming another pawn in the social game.

Edward Chase, the Earl of Hayward, is on the brink of financial ruin. To save his estate, he must marry, and Calliope Hart is his last hope. When he boldly declares his intentions, she swiftly rejects him, making it clear she has no interest in marrying for convenience. Undeterred, Edward offers a deal: He will escort Calliope to all the best sights of London that she’s been dying to see if she agrees to visit his estate and consider what they could accomplish together.

What begins as a business arrangement soon sparks something much more complicated—an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore. But as their hearts begin to soften, both must confront their fears: Can Calliope trust Edward with her heart, and can Edward truly win her love when she’s convinced he only wants her fortune?

My Review:

Funny and touching and oh so swoonable! Chelsea Bobulski is a new-to-me author but I’ll be hunting down every book she’s written now! And I’m so hoping this is the first in a series because Calliope has some delightful friends who need to star in their own stories!

This Edwardian era romance explores that odd American craze of New York Society’s nouveau riche carting their marriageable daughters across the ocean to England in order to make an aristocratic match, all for the want of a title. Their enormous dowries set to lure in cash strapped nobility for a mutually ‘advantageous’ match.

Well, Miss Calliope Hart is having none of it. Her mother (one of the most obnoxious fictional mothers I’ve read!!!) is blatantly pushing her daughter to attend all the Season’s prestigious parties. Calliope’s reluctance is no deterrent to the husband hunting mama who is determined that her daughter will be engaged by the end of the summer.

Calliope and Edward’s unfortunate meet-cute is anything but encouraging. He might have made a bit of a blunder. She might have taken it too personally. Fireworks ensue and Calliope storms off, leaving Edward surprisingly intrigued. And then the fun really begins!

A wonderful mix of humour and tenderness with enough sparks to singe a gentle reader’s fingertips. And once Edward commits to persuing Calliope…well, clear your fainting couch and prepare for a toe-curling frenzy of a read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, 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 A Deal With a Debutante, 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 16 2026

Traveler’s Rest + Giveaway

random retro reread

A young woman determined to honor her commitment
An injured soldier convinced life is no longer worth living
A retired doctor certain it’s too late to be forgiven

Jane Morrow has a dilemma. She’s engaged to Seth Ballantine, a member of the National Guard’s 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and he’s returned from Iraq severely wounded. Jane hasn’t seen him for nearly a year, and with trepidation, she heads to the VA hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where he is being treated.

Seth isn’t happy to see her. He’d asked her not to come. He wants to end the relationship. But Jane loves him, and despite his injury, she’s determined to convince him that they can have a life together. Her faith has never been strong, yet she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do.

Beautifully written, Travelers Rest takes readers on a journey through pain and tragedy to a place of hope and redemption.

My Review:

published in 2012

Profound. The kind of book that makes you a better person for having lived within its pages for a few hours. This character-driven story unfolds with a rich blend of drama and poignancy, but there’s humour tucked in there as well.And life lessons well worth learning. Like the power to influence for good just by having the courage to try.

And, oh my, the characters! And the cunning way their disparate lives are woven together. A purely stunning, gorgeous book that has left me near speechless.

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 Traveler’s Rest, 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 16 2026

May Giveaway – Week Two

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 COMING WEEK:

Alas, no Conversation with Kav this week it being Mother’s Day and I’m up to my eyeballs in chaos (my pre-moving strategy turns out not to be as organized as I planned!) BUT, there is a giveaway instead, a Women’s Fiction one at that! – in fact this coming week is a six day giveaway , 2 brand spanking new just released books and 4 gently read ones. 🙂

Tracking the Taken Child

A little girl has vanished…
Can a K-9 team find her?

Preschool teacher Lydia Caldwell’s peaceful day in the Rockies becomes her most harrowing nightmare when she’s pushed over a mountain ledge and her three-year-old daughter is abducted. Lydia must now entrust her life and her child’s fate to K-9 Officer River Jameson and his yellow Lab partner, Frankie. As the danger escalates and the trail grows colder by the second, River and Frankie work tirelessly to track down the kidnapper. Is the culprit Lydia’s ex…or is someone from her past seeking revenge? Will River’s skill and Frankie’s instincts save an innocent child—and protect Lydia from the elusive criminal targeting her?

My Review:

The emotionally charged opening scene sets the stage for the second instalment of the Colorado K-9 Unit continuity series and I loved every second of this intense mix of danger, drama and romance.

A mother’s worst nightmare, the kidnapping of her child, makes for a gripping backdrop for the suspense and an intense introduction for Lydia and River. And K-9 extraordinaire, Frankie! What follows is a gripping game of cat-and-mouse as Lydia and River dodge bullets and danger in a desperate attempt to track a kidnapper and find little Elsie. Action packed adventure with enough plot twists to keep a reader on the edge of her seat.

I listened to the audible edition of Tracking the Taken Child narrated by Megan Tusing who did a great job conveying a sense of urgency into her storytelling. A truly compulsive listening experience for me.

Injustice for All

random retro read

“I should have tried harder.”Those final words are scrawled across a note that’s been pinned to a man’s remains.

Pulled to a crime scene in the middle of the night, Detective Marx struggles to unravel the mystery behind a message written by the victim. A suicide note . . . or an admission of guilt? Before he can discover the truth, what seems to be a random act of violence becomes something much darker and far more dangerous.

Another note. Another body.

With very little evidence and even less time, Detective Marx searches for the common thread between the victims before another innocent dies, but his efforts might put him directly in the killer’s path.

Injustice for All is a spin-off from the Holly Novels, but it can be read as a standalone book. If you’re wondering where this book falls in relation to the Holly Novels, here’s the Criss Cross, Winter Memorial, Cross Fire, Crossed Off, Injustice for All.

My Review:

published in 2018

First thing to know is that this book fits in the middle of the Holly series, right after the third book. It’s important because it carries over main plot points from that series, though as a secondary plot in Marx’s first solo story. You could read this as a standalone, but you’d be missing out on a lot of Holly’s background, including spoilers, as well as some complex character backstory elements.

The suspense is gripping, a bit gritty but utterly compelling. I loved getting so much of the story from Marx’s POV and the way he juggles his work as a detective with his care and support for Holly has she processes recent traumatic events is inspiring.

The strong sense of found family is what really draws me to this series; the impeccable plotting and relatable characters keep me anchored in the story. And committed to the series. I still have some catching up to do before the latest Holly instalment releases this month but I’m happily up to the challenge. 🙂

The Vigilante’s Bride + Giveaway

random retro reread

Robbing a stagecoach on Christmas Eve and kidnapping a woman passenger is the last thing Luke Sullivan expects to do. He just wanted to reclaim the money stolen from him, but ends up with a feisty copper-haired orphan thrown over his shoulder who was on her way to marry Sullivan’s bitter enemy.

Emily McCarthy is an orphan out of options. Forced to marry because she was too old for her orphanage, she doesn’t take kindly to her “rescue.” Still she trusts God can turn any situation to good especially when it seems Sullivan may just be the man of her dreams. But Sullivan’s crossed a dangerous man unused to losing and Emily may just be the prize he’s unwilling to sacrifice.

My Review:

published in 2010

‘The Vigilante’s Bride’ has it all – hunky hero, spunky heroine, downright evil villain and a riveting plot.

Loved the dynamics between Luke and Emily. Sparks fly at their very unorthodox meet-cute. This is an enemies to more trope and the author does a great job transforming intense dislike into love. There are some achingly tender scenes, toe-curling ones too with a healthy dose of humour mixed in.

In fact, Harris does a wonderful job of blending drama and comedy while drawing out the suspense. Plus she adds some surprise that I didn’t see coming at all. Impeccable pacing kept me turning pages, eager for more, only to be disappointed when I finally came to the end because it was all over! Love when a story leaves me wanting more!

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 The Vigilante’s Bride, 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 9 2026

Counting on a Cowboy + Giveaway

random retro reread

After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk. Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she’s brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.

Bo Monahan isn’t interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become—or the women who might be looking at him like he’s their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn’t looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.

This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can’t help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.

My Review:

published in 2015

I want to say ‘Best Romantic Comedy Ever’ but as I think back on this story I realize there are a lot of really intensely emotional issues that various characters are struggling to deal with. So there’s definitely gritty realism delivered in an honest, and sometimes heart wrenching, way but I still start grinning when I think about Counting on a Cowboy. I guess the humorous bits that shine through the drama really made an impact on me.

Like two cowboy brothers dealing with the day in, day out care of an infant: “Aw, come, Jarrod. Give me a break. I’ve changed him three times and you should see the stuff coming out of that kid. Maybe we should take him to the doc.” (p. 75) Bumbling cowboys out of their element are always a treat to read about.

As is the simmering romance between Bo and Abby. Attraction confirmed, desire to do something about it, not so much. Because it’s truly complicated. From a crash bang first meet to Abby’s painful past, there just doesn’t seem to be a way for them to move forward. Cue the audacious town matchmakers — Clara Lyn and Reba — though, honestly, their clumsy attempts do more harm than good a time or two. And that’s because they don’t have all the facts.

Neither does the reader when it comes to Abby’s haunting past. Clopton expertly tantalizes with subtle hints that grow clearer as the story progresses. I was gutted by the time the whole truth was revealed but thrilled when Bo proves to finally be the hope for her future.

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 Counting on a Cowboy 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 9 2026

No Stone Unturned + Giveaway

She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground.

Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman ruins. Unfortunately, her quest puts her at odds with the ambitious new lord who recently inherited the title and Hawthorn Abbey from his estranged uncle.

Recovering from wounds of both body and spirit, Captain Rafe Hawthorn is intent on restoring his long-neglected ancestral home. His plans to rebuild the abbey’s once thriving orchards require a road that will pass straight through Bridget’s potential trove of artifacts. He will not—cannot—fail again, even if he is moved by Bridget and her passion.

Yet this impasse might not be their greatest obstacle. A natural disaster and a series of suspicious accidents threaten both their plans, along with the livelihood of the nearby villagers dependent on their success. With their dreams in the balance, Bridget and Rafe must work together to fend off an unexpected enemy that may prove more dangerous than either could have imagined.

Sweet Regency romance filled with hope, faith, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamicHistorical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail WilsonIncludes discussion questions for book clubs.

My Review:

Delightfully shivery Gothic vibes with a twist because in ‘No Stone Unturned’ it’s the hero who is returning to his ancestral home which just happens to be an atmospheric abbey steeped in mystery. It has also been sadly neglected and the whole estate is in jeopardy unless he can turn things around quickly.

Rafe is facing an impossible challenge as he adjusts to civilian life as a wounded soldier. He’s both physically and emotionally scarred and loathe to return to place that holds so many painful memories. So, he’s dealing with a lot when he first meets Bridget, digging up ‘his’ field with archeological enthusiasm. She’s under the impression the field belongs to her best friend’s family. Rafe’s steward assures him it is part of his estate. Wills clash when neither is willing to compromise and this enemies to more love story gets off to a volatile start.

I’m not always a fan of this trope, though I hasten to add I loved this one. It can be difficult to keep up the enemy pretence while at the same time making both hero and heroine relatable but Hovde did an amazing job here and that’s because of the richly layered backstories. My emotions couldn’t help but become engaged. Rafe with his traumatic childhood and difficult war years. Bridget upended by the death of her mother and the ensuing domestic upheaval. She’s an educated woman who can’t find a place in a male dominated field. Though there is instant chemistry, it takes them awhile to find some common ground but when they do…blissful happy swooning sigh!

‘No Stone Unturned’ delivers it all – a brooding hero, a feisty heroine, an atmospheric abbey steeped in mystery, villains and treachery and pages full of drama, including integral faith threads, before the triumphant HEA!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, 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 No Stone Unturned, 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 9 2026

Conversations with Kav – Realistic Women’s Fiction, Inspiration in the Middle of the Mess + Giveaway

If you’ve been around Best Reads for any length of time, you’ve likely surmised that I am a romance reader first and foremost. Contemporary, Historical, Amish, Suspense – I enjoy all the genres, as long as there’s a love story front and centre. But sometimes, I’ve been coerced (er encouraged) to step away from all things romantical and into the emotional realms of Women’s Fiction.

True confession: I really, really, really like it when there’s at least a bit of romance included in the story. 🙂 Ahem, having said that, I’ve enjoyed some stellar Women’s Fiction over the years, even though it isn’t the first type of book I reach for.

So, I thought it would be fun to chat about Women’s Fiction today. Are you a fan? Or not? And what do you like about this genre? What kind of plots / storytelling are you looking for?

What I Enjoy In Women’s Fiction :

exploring intergenerational relationships
makes an emotional impact
women mentoring women
social justice themes
World War II settings
healing in dysfunctional families

A Few Women’s Fiction Recommendations:

Emotional impact, Intergenerational relationships, Healing in dysfunctional families.

From my review: “And, oh my, these sisters and their stories! Deep layers of personal and family drama culminating in divine healing. I was an emotional wreck by the end. (Gentle warning: don’t listen to or read this book in public, especially if you are an ugly crier like I am. Don’t ask me how I know.)

Exploring intergenerational relationships, Emotional impact, Women mentoring women

From my review: “Mrs. Kip starts out as a means to an end, a menial task to do penance for messing up in the newsroom, but the unassuming, terminally ill woman, has a lot of life yet to live and wisdom to impart. Aidyn finds herself roped into her shenanigans, learning important life (and faith) lessons along the way. Who knew Mrs. Kip was so full of surprises?!”

World War II, Social Justice, Emotional Impact

From my review: “I’m emotionally wrung out after this kind of read, but filled with hope too. Because people like Elsa and Hattie actually lived and risked their own lives to stand up against the horrors of Hitler’s regime. I always come away humbled after reading about ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the greater good.”

Time for some conversation and a giveaway!

I’d love to get more recommendations for Women’s Fiction authors and titles, so do share any favourites of yours, if you would be so kind! And any other thoughts you might have on all things Women’s Fiction.

Share your thoughts in a comment and you’ll be entered in a draw for:

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 9 2026

May Giveaway – Week One

won by Jackie

won by Caitlin

won by Nora St Laurent

won by Jolene

won by Kathleen

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