Kav's Best Reads

Murders in the Marquee + Giveaway

In this witty historical murder mystery set in a San Francisco hotel, an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths must uncover a killer before another guest checks out for good.

In 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.

Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.

Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…

My Review:

Not what I expected at all, but I like it! And I’m hoping this is the beginning of a series because there’s so much potential for more mystery solving at the Grand Mallard Marquee!

An eclectic trio of would be sleuths, a missing body and some mallard mayhem set the stage for Mentink’s unique brand of humorous storytelling. Kitty is our indomitable heroine. A young, somewhat naive socialite who is anything but proper as her overactive imagination runs amok when an actual crime occurs. She blithely leads Henry, bellhop and vaudeville hopeful, and Saul, reformed thief and the hotel’s newly appointed ‘Duck Commandant’ into some hair-raising escapades as they try to solve a murder mystery without a body.

The author models her hotel after the famous Peabody Hotel in Memphis which features a twice daily duck parade through the hotel lobby and out to a fountain. Such a fun twist for a cozy mystery! And my, but those ducks provide all kinds of sleuthing opportunities as well as some hair raising shenanigans. Duck wrangling isn’t for the faint of heart!

I love the way the author wove inspirational threads throughout the story, especially from Saul’s perspective. He’s trying so hard to find his way in his first job after being released from prison. He struggles to balance his faith with the unexpected conundrums the murder investigation presents and I felt for him!

What surprised me about ‘Murders in the Marquee’ was the lack of romance since it’s published by Love Inspired Trade. I’ll admit, I was a wee bit disappointed about that, but not with the overall story. And I’m really hoping Dana Mentink has the opportunity to create more ‘murder, mayhem and mallards’ in future books featuring Saul, Kitty and Henry.

I listened to the audio edition of this book and really enjoyed Kimberly M. Wetherell’s narration. She is becoming a familiar voice in my audio book selections and I find she has a talent for creating distinctive voices to match different characters’ personalities which makes for an entertaining listening experience.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook

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 Murders in the Marquee, 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 September 5 2026.

Conversations With Kav – Introducing the Best Reads Autumn 2026 Bingo Reading Challenge!

Well, it’s been a minute since we did a readathon here at Best Reads and Autumn seems like the perfect season to rectify that. The scorching heat and energy sapping humidity of summer are over and I’m feeling rejuvenated with the milder days and cooler nights! Autumn is my favourite season and October is my favourite month (yay, birthday month!) so I am excited to go on a reading quest with anyone else who wants to participate. Here are the details:

Three chances to win! The prizes: 1st place – $20.00 gift certificate with either Baker Book House or Amazon (US or Canada), 2nd place – $15.00 gift certificate with either Baker Book House or Amazon (US or Canada) and 3rd place – $10.00 gift certificate with either Baker Book House or Amazon (US or Canada.)

HOW TO PLAY (and have a chance to win!)

Bingo runs from Sunday August 30 2026 to October 31 2026
Read a book that fits a prompt(s) to fill in the corresponding square(s)
So yes, that means, one book could fit multiple prompts (but do check out the first bonus prompt)
7 chances at a bingo – 3 across, 4 down
Your name will be entered into a draw every time you get a Bingo (so the potential for 7 times)
Bonus round: Fill your entire card to have your name entered 5 more times
Once you’ve achieved a Bingo, submit the prompts and corresponding books to me at kavluvstoread@yahoo.ca. using BINGO in the subject field
Technically, you have until midnight EST October 31 2026 to submit all your entries, but it would be easier on me to have them trickling in throughout September and October.
Pssstttt!!! Don’t forget to check out the three bonus prompts for more ways to get your name entered in the giveaway draws.

More About the Prompts

Fall Colours – orange and/or red on the cover
Spooky Ambiance – Atmospheric read – this will mean different things to different readers. For me, I think immediately of Jaime Jo Wright, Joanna Davidson Politano, Hannah Linder. A story that evokes strong emotions or a mysterious energy.
Thanksgiving – read a book written by an author you are thankful for
Comfort Food – a book with food on the cover or contains a comfort food scene in the story. Obviously, the definition of comfort food will be different for each reader. For me I’m thinking hot cocoa and gingersnaps or apple crumble or pumpkin bread or….
Fireplace – read a cozy book. Again, the definition of cozy will vary depending on the reader.
Halloween – Magical – The obvious book tie-in would be a paranormal or speculative story BUT for those readers who aren’t a fan of those genres use the definition of ‘magical’ to inspire the book you choose to read. Magical -” an experience that feels extraordinarily pleasurable, exciting, enchanting or special.”
Nature Walk – a book with a nature element in at least one scene. It could be as simple as a walk in the park or as all encompassing as harvest time on a farm. Ohhh — or surviving in the wilderness while being chased by villains with murderous intent! 🙂
Hot Drink – Heartwarming read
Jack o’lantern – a book that made you grin. Could be a lighthearted rom/com or even just a book with a really funny scene that made you laugh.
School – a book that you learned something from.
Harvest – a book that features a farm or seasonal food in some way. Could be as simple as the heroine getting a pumpkin spice latte.
Country Fair – a book that features a community gathering of some sort.

The Bonus Prompts

#1. Read a different book for each of the 12 prompts and you can earn an additional 12 points.

#2. Read a book set in Autumn = 5 points. And that counts for every fall book you read. So if 3 of your Bingo books have an autumnal setting you will earn 15 additional points.

#3. Title contains an ‘eerie’ word = 5 points. Think, kinda spooky, atmospheric words like ghost, die, death, lost, sorrow, fear, murder, shadow, tremor, enchantment…just a few that I can think of at the moment.

How Winners Are Chosen

Your name will be entered onto my Random Wheel of Names picker once for every point you accumulate during the course of the readathon. So if you blacked out your card that would give you 12 points and your name would be added to the wheel twelve times. So, the more points you accumulate, the greater your chance of a win.

Winners will be announced on Sunday, November 1 2026.

August Giveaway – Week Five

won by Jackie

won by Diane F.

won by Perrianne

won by Melissa Andres

won by Jolene

I’m not sure if this is the conclusion to the Kitchen Witch series, but if so, it has a splendid wrap up. I really enjoy the magical world building, and the sense of found family in this series. Family ties as well – both good and bad – make for some intriguing dynamics. A truly perplexing mystery kept me guessing and now I am desperate for more witchy goodness so I’m hoping there will be more books to come.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:

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

tuesday

Hello September! A day we get to look ahead to September releases in Christian Fiction.

wednesday

thursday

friday

A Very Merry Matchup

In this charming small-town Christmas rom com by award-winning author Becca Kinzer, a travel nurse who loves to play matchmaker gets a taste of her own medicine when her friend conspires to set her up with a minor league baseball player.

If there’s one thing travel nurse Ivy West prides herself on, it’s her matchmaking skills. She’s even convinced she knows her own perfect type, a man who, unlike her parents, isn’t traveling the country for the sake of a career. It doesn’t matter Ivy hasn’t met him yet. She’s sure she will in a few years. At least, it’s one of her goals. Then Beau Wall—a minor league baseball player with his sights set on the big leagues—lands in the hospital, and there’s an undeniable spark between them. No need to worry. Ivy will just match him up with her friend Lucy, and she won’t be tempted to date him herself.

A few months later, Ivy’s convinced everything’s gone perfectly when she hears Lucy’s engaged. But when Ivy arrives to spend Christmas in Iowa and celebrate the engagement, there’s one little problem. Lucy has set her up. Sure, Lucy’s engaged, but not to Beau. And Beau isn’t about to lose this unexpected shot at winning Ivy over. Neither are his mom and grandma who also try to throw the two together.

Amid twinkling Christmas lights and hours spent watching holiday movies, Ivy finds herself falling for Beau. Maybe it’s time she ditched her plans . . . because it’s looking like Beau might be her perfect match after all.

A clean, sweet love story for readers who enjoy holiday romances by Courtney Walsh, Jenny Bayliss, and Sheila RobertsA standalone Christmas novella for fans of cozy Christmas movies and opposites-attract sports romances.

My Review:

Comedic gold! The way Kinzer creates organized chaos that stems from muddled dialogue is priceless. I laughed all the way through this read…well, listen. And I’ll just mention here how brilliant CJ Bloom and Adam Verner’s performances are. Narrators extraordinaire, both! Highly recommend the audio edition if you enjoy listening to your stories as much as I do.

A definite must read for a discerning contemporary romance fan’s Christmas collection. Sadly, though a paperback edition is not available. Ebook and audiobook only. Hoping that might be reconsidered sometime in the future because I’d love to have a physical copy for my holiday keeper shelf!

The Bodyguard Fall + Giveaway

Her stalker is getting closer. So is her bodyguard.

I know how to write murder mysteries.
Dead bodies? Great. Blood and gore? Even better.

Romance? Absolutely not.

Unfortunately for me, my production company disagrees. After years of writing cozy crime dramas, I’m suddenly being forced to write a flannel and cider romantic screenplay filled with pumpkin patches, maple festivals, and happily-ever-afters I don’t actually believe in.

Especially not after months of terrifying messages from a stalker who seems to know way too much about me.

Which is how I end up back in my hometown of Autumn Ridge, under the protection of Tate Walker—my older brother’s best friend, a cop, and the same overprotective pain in my neck who spent most of my teenage years telling me what I could and couldn’t do.

Tate is temporarily off-duty and back home recovering from a dangerous undercover operation that left him injured and drowning in guilt. And somehow protecting me has become his newest assignment.

Now I’m living on his family’s hay farm while police attempt to catch my stalker. Between boxing lessons, tractor rides, and cozy autumn outings that feel suspiciously like dates, I start finding inspiration for my romantic screenplay in the one place I never expected:

My bodyguard.

But as the threats escalate and my stalker gets closer, so do Tate and I. And falling for the man assigned to protect me might be the most dangerous plot twist of all.

My Review:

Wheee, this is the kind of rom/com that takes you from full belly guffaws to toe-curling swoons in a nanosecond. And we all know that an avid suspense reader’s fancy turns to stalker themes in the Fall. 🙂 Love that extra little kick to this story, though I consider ‘The Bodyguard Fall’ to be more contemporary romance then suspense. Like a 70/30 split in favour of rom/com. Which is chockfull of delightful tropes – fake dating, forced proximity, he’s her brother’s best friend and there’s one more I can’t mention because it’s a nice surprise well into the book, but most every romance reader I know is a fan.

Steel captures all the heartwarming elements of small town life in the autumn and I especially love Tate’s lively family. His brothers’ conniving is priceless! And the messaging back and forth between Tate and Olivia’s brother are hysterical! The comedy beats throughout this story are so well paced.

Grab a fan and clear off your fainting couch because this author delivers romance. Flirty banter and witty dialogue mask an undercurrent of emotions that gradually simmer to the surface as the story progresses. Gentle readers might want to be aware that there are a few detailed kissing scenes, still definitely fits the Closed Door Romance criteria, but just a bit more…expressive…than I’m used to. Also of note, there is a bit of very mild cussing.

A great introduction to the ‘Falling for Autumn’ multi-authored series. Looking forward to more visits to Autumn Ridge this fall.

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 Bodyguard Fall, 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 August 29 2026.

The Lumber Baron’s Wife + Giveaway

When the young wife of a powerful lumber baron vanishes into the wilds of frontier Michigan, her friend is left to unravel the truth in this captivating dual-timeline novel from bestselling author Lynn Austin.

1873

After a devastating loss, Hannah Wagner never imagined she’d leave her comfortable home for the harsh, unfamiliar wilderness near Lake Michigan. But when Henry Abernathy, a friend of her husband John, offers them a fresh start in a booming lumber town—where John’s skills as a doctor are sorely needed—Hannah reluctantly agrees.

There, she meets Kate Abernathy, Henry’s spirited, much younger wife. Kate’s sharp tongue and outsider status have made her unwelcome among the town’s elite. As she begins confiding in Hannah, it becomes clear her marriage is not what it seems—and that a secret from her past could destroy everything.

Present Day

Ashley Gilbert never planned to settle in Michigan, but when her husband lands his dream job as a conservationist, she agrees to follow. While restoring their historic home—built in the 19th century for a doctor and his wife—Ashley becomes captivated by its past and its connection to the nearby Abernathy mansion, now being transformed into a museum.

While volunteering with the restoration, Ashley stumbles upon the unsolved mystery of Kate Abernathy’s disappearance. What begins as curiosity soon becomes a quest for the truth—one that will connect her to two women whose stories and struggles echo and inspire her own.

Standalone historical fiction about marriage, grief, and the power of female friendships from the author of All My Secrets and Long Way Home

My Review:

First off, is there an era Lynn Austin hasn’t written about? Her deep dives into centuries past are so well researched that I don’t know how she finds the time to write as well! This time we’re transported back to the late 1800s in Michigan for the historical part of this emotionally gripping dual timeline novel.

A mystery from the past reaches into the future and the way Austin blends the two is so compelling. The pacing between timelines is exceptionally well done, keeping a reader enthralled as she flips back and forth, edging ever closer to the full reveal.

The author doesn’t shy away from showcasing the gritty reality of messy lives. There is more than one way to be broken and a multitude of ways to be redeemed and Austin highlights that here with breathtaking grace. A moving celebration of women’s strength and fortitude; their ability to endure and come out stronger and the uplifting joy of sisterhood.

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 The Lumber Baron’s Wife, 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 August 29 2026.

On a Midnight Clear + Giveaway

Can they find a place to put their hearts and hope this Christmas?

Beloved authors Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, and Karen Witemeyer come together with this festive novella collection inspired by the Nativity story and filled with faith, promise, and romance.

The Shepherd’s Heart by Tracie Peterson

On the frontier, widowed sheep rancher Vincent Duran seeks a mother for his two children. Angel Lewis agrees to marry him despite believing Vincent will never truly love her, but as they work together during a fierce winter storm, will their broken hearts finally find peace, joy, and love?

No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller

When Noah Bentwood and his charge are snowed in while traveling through the Rocky Mountains, he must stay in a barn since the stage inn has no vacant rooms. Then innkeeper Hope Palmer’s family heirloom disappears, and she and Noah work together to find it before Christmas. While the snowfall holds them captive, will unexpected feelings bloom?

A Star in the West by Karen Witemeyer

Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?

My Review:

A wonderful collection of classic Western tales with a festive twist.

Tracie Peterson’s story features a jilted bride and a marriage of convenience between old friends. Misty M. Beller explores one of my favourite wintery tropes – stranded in a snowstorm – as the backdrop for a Christmas anomaly, an inn that actually makes room for weary travellers. And Karen Witemeyer’s unique spin on the ‘wisemen’ is a lovely mix of humour and inspiration.

Three beloved authors share their distinctive storytelling styles in this heartwarming collection that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.

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 On a Midnight Clear, 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 August 29 2026.

Writer in Residence + Giveaway

From beloved author Rhonda McKnight comes a new story of faith, history, and the power of legacy that merges the romance of The Bookshop Sisterhoodwith the rich low-country setting of Mary Alice Monroe.

Alexandra Chambers is a writer who has run out of words. Struggling with writers’ block and the pressure to secure a new book deal, she wins a week in a writer-friendly cabin through a drawing held at a local literacy center. When the noise of home threatens to drown out her words, Alexandra heads to the cabin. What she finds is far more than she expected–a vibrant community brimming with inspiration, a past steeped in history and culture, and a man who both intrigues and unsettles her.

Gabe Scott, a bestselling author and the former writer-in-residence, is everything Alexandra feels she’s not–acclaimed, award-winning, and unshakably confident. When their paths cross at the center, his literary brilliance and dedication to helping struggling Gullah students stir feelings Alexandra isn’t ready to confront. Though undeniably attracted to him, Alexandra wrestles with the fear that her books pale beside his celebrated work, and that Taylor, a pretty aspiring novelist, may be exactly the kind of writer who belongs in his world.

When a surprising discovery unearths family history no one expected, her muse is reignited. With the quiet wisdom of Ma Kate, an elderly Gullah cleaning woman, Alexandra finds the strength to forgive truths long withheld, embrace her voice, and write the story only she can tell.

My Review:

McKnight’s storytelling is exquisite – from word choice to depth of character to the inspirational elements – so emotionally impactful.

Having a writer heroine is a dream and I love the honest look we get at both the highs and lows of the publishing industry. This book celebrates the power of story both the written and the lived experience. It’s full of rich cultural history and the complexities of family life. The generational aftermath of dysfunction. Tender relationships threatened by truths long buried. How familial connections reach through decades to play a part in the present day. So profound and thought provoking!

Alex’s family mystery is fascinating. I was so invested in her genealogical pursuits and frustrated and impatient right along with her. But it’s also a journey of self-discovery as she struggles to find her place in the midst of change, both personal and professional.

There are so many inspiring words of wisdom from beloved characters, especially Miss Kate. An octogenarian wonder of resiliency and hope and good old fashioned common sense! Still smiling (and weeping a bit) over this noble lady’s life story. She plays a pivotal role in Alex’s reckoning with herself and her past.

And if all this scope for emotional drama doesn’t hook you, our hero Gabe most certainly will. Swoon! Alex is often discombobulated in his presence and it was so much fun to see that lighter side of her personality. Gabe isn’t in any hurry; his pursuit is slow, almost lazy, but oh so deliberate. And mercy, the teasing banter with sultry hints of tension are enough to spike an unsuspecting reader’s blood pressure. Be still my heart! Keep some smelling salts handy for the duration of the read.

Or listen, in my case. I so enjoyed Bahni Turpin’s narration. She became these characters, presenting all of them with unique easily identifiable voices. From Miss Kate’s wavering tremour to the the recalcitrant teenage voices of the students at the literacy centre, and everything in between. I especially appreciated hearing the hints of the Gullah language. Such an enriching listening experience. Would highly recommend the audio book to discerning listeners.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: THIS BOOK DOES NOT RELEASE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 8

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 Writer in Residence, 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 August 29 2026.

Conversations With Kav – Celebrating Indie Authors 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.

Topics Up For Discussion

what we’re reading
new release alerts
recommended authors

Here’s a look at my Indie Reading in August

I didn’t read as many indie books this month as I planned, though I guess there’s a few days left in the month to catch up. Only two were on the priority list I made up at the beginning of the month – The Lumberjack From the Cabin Next Door and Let Sleeping Dogs Lie – the rest were whimsical mood reads after my audible sale blitz. 🙂

What I’m Reading Now:

Tracey put me onto this series and I ordered the first book quite a while ago but it’s been languishing on my TBR pile. I’ve been in a suspense-y mood, so I picked this one up today and started reading. I’m already shocked, might even be mildly traumatized depending on if what I think happened actually did happen. Yikes!

The Fall Series I’m Hoping to Read as the Books Release:

So far I’m on track and the audible edition for the third book releases the same time as the ebook and paperback editions so I’ll be able to keep up this week at least. (They mentioned that the audiobooks might not always be available on the release dates.) I’m enjoying the fall vibes / rom/com mix and looking forward to getting to the heart of all the romances. 🙂

These are the same authors who did the ‘Falling for Summer’ series a couple of years back. They’ve also collaborated on ‘The Christmas Escape’ series. I haven’t read any books in that series – have any of you? I’m thinking of targeting it for some of my holiday reading but I haven’t looked into it yet.

Let’s start the conversation:

And now it’s time for a chat. What indie books have you been reading this month? Already on your TBR just waiting to be noticed? New Indie Releases you are looking forward to? Share in the comments

AND LEAVE THE TITLE AND AUTHOR OF AN INDIE BOOK (CHRISTIAN FICTION OR CLEAN ROMMANCE) THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO OWN AND IF YOUR NAME IS DRAWN, THAT’S THE BOOK YOU WILL WIN.

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 August 29 2026.