Kav's Best Reads

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!

February 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 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!

Falling for the Amish Rival

On the farm, they’re enemies…
On paper, they’re falling in love.

Amanda Stoltzfus would love to get married, but most Amish men aren’t interested in a woman who prefers farmwork to housework. Good thing her secret pen pal L.D. values her for who she is, unlike Amanda’s snarky rival, the irritating new goat farmer, David Troyer. But when Amanda arranges a long-anticipated meeting with her pen pal, she discovers it’s David! Soon they find themselves locked in a battle that will make or break the future of both their farms. Can they set aside their rivalry and look beyond the surface to find their perfect match?

My Review:

What a fun enemies to more romance! And I love the added secret identity trope that surrounds Amanda and David’s first few ‘real-life’ meetings. Such a contrast between their blossoming pen pal relationship and their almost instant dislike at first meet. I really enjoyed watching them sort that out, though there were times Amanda got my dander up. She was sooooo…..gah! But there’s tons of chemistry between these two, including some banter and teasing.

A goat farming heroine is unique and creates some interesting inner conflict for Amanda who never feels she measures up to the community’s norms. She loves working with her goats and she is a savvy businesswoman. Brilliant plot twist that she’s the expert mentoring David. That adds another dimension to their relationship and I so appreciate David for respecting her knowledge and being willing to accept her guidance.

A sweet Amish romance with lighthearted family drama to add extra dimension to the storytelling.

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

An Unconventional Lady + Giveaway

In An Unconventional Lady, her latest sweet Regency romance, Sarah E. Ladd explores the expanding world of science (and pseudoscience) as two childhood friends work together to separate fact from fiction. Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen and BBC dramas.

Ella Wilde is no ordinary young woman. Outspoken, curious, and fiercely independent, she grew up in a world of natural philosophy, encouraged by her scientist parents to question everything. But when her mother dies mysteriously while studying phrenology in Austria, Ella is left with more questions than answers. Especially when a study is released claiming that a phrenological examination of Ella’s mother prior to her death indicated mental instability, calling into question what really happened the night of her death. Years later, at a scientific symposium hosted by her father’s school and focused on phrenology, Ella seizes the chance to clear her mother’s name and debunk phrenology as pseudoscience.

Gabriel Rowe is a barrister with a mission of his own. Tasked with finding a runaway girl linked to the same phrenologist who will be speaking at the symposium, Gabriel’s path leads him back to Keatley Hall–and to Ella, his childhood friend.

As the symposium unfolds, Ella and Gabriel join forces to expose the phrenologist’s fraud. But with the audience enamored by the charlatan’s charm and the stakes rising, they must navigate a web of deceit and danger. When the missing girl is found and the phrenologist vanishes with the symposium’s funds, Ella and Gabriel embark on a thrilling journey to reclaim their reputations and discover the love and acceptance they’ve been seeking.

Travel back to Regency England with An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd and learn about little-known parts of history while being completely swept off your feet by a sweet, clean romance.

My Review:

A classic Regency romance steeped in intrigue. And what an interesting subject matter. Phrenology? Ladd brings all the fascinating details to light in this riveting mix of history and mystery….and romance, of course!

I love the refreshing approach the author brings to this genre. Our unconventional lady is part of the upper working class instead of nobility and a house party setting is replaced with an educational symposium. Still lots of opportunity for socializing and banter, just coming from a different angle.

And Ella has something to prove among the elite supporters of the man who has ruined her life. She finds an unlikely champion in a childhood friend who is now a barrister. Gabriel and Ella work together to expose the charlatan, with unexpected results. Intrigue, betrayal, danger….and a healthy dose of romance…combine to make this a compelling Regency read.

Well, listen in my case. I thoroughly enjoyed Fiona Hardingham’s narration. Her voice lends authenticity to the dialogue as she brings a variety of characters to life. I was was completely charmed. Made for a pleasant listening experience.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook copy

Canada – ebook or audible copy

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Unconventional Lady 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 7 2026.

Tracing a Kidnapper’s Trail + Giveaway

Solving an abduction case
means a relentless K-9 manhunt…

When search and rescue worker Hunter Shelton and his bloodhound Libby are called to a crime scene, he discovers his ex-fiancée murdered and her young daughter missing—and he’s attacked. Soon, he realizes the little girl may have been taken by drug runners, and could possibly be his own child. With no one else to turn to, Hunter teams up with DEA Agent Marlee Price and her narcotics K-9, despite their rocky history. As they face escalating threats and uncover a rising body count, an old enemy from Marlee’s past resurfaces. Will they be able to rescue the child and bring dangerous criminals to justice before time runs out?

My Review:

Well, that was intense! Best clear your calendar and be prepared for a marathon read (or listen in my case.) And, speaking of the audio edition, what a stellar performance by Emily Sutton-Smith! Her voice is a perfect match for the intensity of this story and she really does justice to Marlee’s tough-as-nails, defiantly stubborn persona. A winning author/narrator combination that compelled me to keep reading (listening!)

Loved the complicated start to Hunter and Marlee’s relationship, which really began back in college. It’s a gritty enemies to more trope that gradually morphs into a wary truce and then hesitant friendship. There’s lots to unearth about their shared past that includes a significant look at the power of forgiveness.

A taut and emotional romantic suspense with some stunning plot twists that make this book impossible to walk away from until every final last detail is revealed!

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

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 Tracing a Kidnapper’s Trail, 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 7 2026.

The Juliet Code + Giveaway

random retro re-read

Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley Finally Reach Their Honeymoon Destination Only to Encounter a New Mystery in Need of Solving

Frederick and Grace Percy finally make it to Italy to enjoy a delayed honeymoon and explore the beauties of the historic city of Venice. To their surprise, their friend, Detective Jack Miracle, is also in the city, investigating a series of art heists starting at the house of eccentric millionaire, Laraby Covington. Drawn into a world of boat races, mysterious houses, and parties of the rich and unusual in Venice, Frederick and Grace learn of the existence of the Juliet paintings, (Renaissance paintings feature Shakespeare’s tragic heroine) rumored to hold a secret code to an underground vault of similarly treasured artwork assumed lost over the centuries. As Freddie and Grace are pulled deeper into the mystery and their beloved Detective Jack disappears, can they use their wits and work as a team to find the thieves and Jack before it’s too late.

The Juliet Code is a Freddie and Grace Mystery, sequel to The Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse.

My Review:

published in 2023 – this is my second read, well, listen this time, in preparation for reading the latest Freddie and Grace mystery, The Highland Heist. And yes, Pepper Basham’s storytelling thrills as much as it did the first time. And now I have this third book in my audible library to cozy up with the first two books in the series. Yay!

Squeeeeeeeepppppp! It’s official: Freddie & Grace are my favourite sleuthing couple ever and there better be more books in this mystery series or I will fall into the depths of bibliophile despair! Not only do I have an insatiable need to keep current with Freddie and Grace, but there are secondary characters who have become dear to my heart in these second and third books and I need to check in on them and their potential love interests. We need to start a ‘More Freddie & Grace’ campaign!

Ahem — back to my actual purpose here — this review: Did I enjoy this book? Positively, absolutely ADORED it! Fast paced, tons of banter, delectable toe-curling scenes (be still my heart…I’m still feeling the palpitations) and an intriguing Agathat Christie-ish mystery that was so much fun to try and figure out.

Indomitable Grace, of course, steals the show, saves the day and Frederick is more smitten than ever! I love the way her mind works — she’s funny and thoughtful and book-centric. Grace makes some lovely references to God being the author of our stories and I love that kind of detail which fits so perfectly with who Grace is and shares profound truth in a very natural way. So well done.

‘The Juliet Code’ is the third book in this series and, while you could easily read this one as a standalone, there are a few spoilers from previous books you may or may not pick up on. So, if you intend to read the other books, I’d suggest reading them in order to get the most bibliophile enjoyment.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook or paperback– winner’s choice

Canada – ebook, paperback 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 Juliet Code 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 7 2026.

Hello February + Giveaway

It’s a Best Reads blog tradition! Celebrating the month’s new releases the first week of each month.

why?

Because I recently discovered that a book’s success or failure is often determined by first month sales! (Though I bet preorders play into that as well.) Publishing houses look at those stats to determine whether they’ll add on to a series or accept the author’s next manuscript! All that literary goodness hanging in the balance but for a month’s worth of sales! (This was a cozy mystery author, but I imagine all traditional publishers use the same ‘system’.) So I thought I should do my wee little bit to promote Christian Fiction.

how?

By hosting a special ‘Hello – insert month’ giveaway. It’s easy to play along. You just have to choose ONE of the February 2026 new releases on your TBR wishlist (must be Christian Fiction) and mention the title in a comment below (or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca) If your name is drawn, that February release is the book you will win and we’re one book closer to keeping our fave authors in business.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice

Canada -paperback or ebook (in form of an Amazon gift card) or audible.ca audio book (if available) – winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 7 2026

Conversations With Kav – 26 in 26 + Giveaway

Have you heard about ’26 in 26′? It’s been making the rounds on booktube and bookstagram. The challenge is to select 26 books you want to read in 2026. Easy peasy, right? Ha! I thought so, until I tried to pare down all my potential candidates. I was well over a hundred titles and the list kept growing…basically everything on my wishlists past and present made it onto the list!

Obviously, I needed a new selection strategy (and the ability not to take myself so seriously!) So I eliminated all the 2026 releases and targeted books already on my physical TBR, or on my audible wishlist, or library holds shelf. Still way too many books, so I added all the titles to a random generator wheel and let the fates decide the 26 books I will for sure read in 2026! And here they are :

The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen (this has been on my physical TBR for forever!!!)
There Goes the Groom by Esther Hatch (same…been on my TBR for a couple of years.)
The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham (have to get current before the final Freddie & Grace book releases later this year!)
No Stone Unturned by Jennelle Hovde (debut novel with rave reviews…what is taking me so long?)
Loving Lieutenant Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden (finishing this series has been in my goals for the past three years!)
Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder (she’s a read-to-zero author this year)
Charming Artemis by Sarah M. Eden
Where Stillness Speaks by Cheryl Sterkenberg

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh (this has been my most checked out library book and yet I haven’t read it yet!)
An Irish Kiss by Carolyn Miller (going to be a St. Patrick’s Day read this year!)
Wedding at Sea by Melissa Tagg (I have to finish this series!!!!!)
Planning for Nick by Tasha Hackett (I’m waiting for the audio book)
Honeysuckle Breeze by B.R. Goodwin (loved the first book in this series and now all the books are out.)
Meet Me in Virginia by Elizabeth Camden
But He’s My One Regret by Gracie Ruth Mitchell (the last book I need to read in order to finish the series!)
The Tangled Tale of the Woolgathering Castoffs by Sharon J. Mondragon (loved the first book!)

Daniel’s Oil by Urcelia Teixeira (this whole series beguiles me and I’ve only read the first book.)
On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley (to finish the series!)
Through Water and Stone by Karen Barnett
Crossed Off by C.C. Warrens (the content in this one scares me!)
The Glass-Bottom Boat by Laura Thomas
Burying the Evidence by K.T. Lee (and a series will be complete!)
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Peggy Rothschild
Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Nightfall in the Garden of Time by Tracy Higley (look at me being brave with a speculative fiction on my list!)
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes (I have earnestly engaged in not reading this book for two years now! It’s time!!!!)

Now it’s your turn: (and the Giveaway)

Let’s talk. Are you interested in creating your own ’26 in 26′ TBR list? What books would wind up on it? Share the title and author of one book that you would like to read in 2026 (must be Christian Fiction and already published) in a comment, and, if your name is drawn, that’s the book you will win.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 7 2026.

January Giveaway – Week Five

First, a bit of housekeeping

Alas, I fell victim to a noxious virus and have been languishing all week. Seriously, 8 days and nary a step out of my house and I don’t even miss the walks or the fresh air (helps that it’s been super cold and snowy all week.) Anyway, I’m afraid because of that, I let most of the wins from last week slide and I haven’t made it to the post office either and I’m not sure if I’ll get there this week. All I’ve been good for is listening to audio books and bingewatching Midsummer Murder episode. 🙂 By my calculations, I still owe:

Paula – your copy of The Golden Braid, the week I got your address it was bitterly cold and then I got sick so no trekking to the post office for me.

Angie, Rebecca and Caryl – you won the gently read books , A Beautiful Love (Angie) Snow on the Tulips (Rebecca) and One Nine (Caryl) – I never sent notifications. Would you mind emailing me your mailing addresses and I’ll get the books packaged up to mail once I’m feeling up to the walk to the post office?

And Marian Baay, you won Love in the Castle Library – your choice of paperback (if in US) or ebook — could you send me your contact info as well? This one I can at least order right away.

My contact info is: kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca

Thanks so much!!!!

Italy books

If you are looking for book with an Italian setting for the Bingo Olympics Readathon, Diane Flowers discovered a nifty one: Runaway Tide by Julie Carobini – a contemporary romance. And I thought of the Waterfall series by Lisa Bergen – a time travel series set in Italy.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled Winner Annoucements!

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE REST OF THE YEAR:

Sunday

Monday

Hello February! Time to take a look at the Christian Fiction releasing in February 2026!

Inheritance of Secrets

random retro read

“I didn’t do right by your mother. Find her and do what I never had the courage to do.”

Her father’s deathbed confession changed everything for Aspen Kincaid. The mystery of her mother’s disappearance was unsolvable, or so she’d believed.

Her dad had lied to her all her life.

After inheriting a house in New Hampshire—a house Aspen hadn’t known her father owned—she travels thousands of miles, desperate to fulfill his dying wish. But some residents of Coventry don’t want Jane Kincaid’s daughter digging into things they think should remain hidden forever.

Renovating the secluded old house on the mountain should be the next step in Garrett McCarthy’s contracting career, but Aspen’s arrival stirs up old animosities in Coventry that he’d known nothing about. All he wants is to complete the job, hoping it’ll open doors to new opportunities. But when he’s asked to keep an eye on Aspen’s activities, he feels he can’t refuse. How can he honor his beautiful, vulnerable client and remain loyal to the people who need his help?

Join Aspen and Garrett as they attempt to solve a thirty-year-old mystery–without becoming its latest victims.

My Review:

published in 2022

A thrilling romantic suspense with a Gothic flare. The unexpected inheritance of a secluded old house in a small town seething with secrets and Aspen’s arrival threatens revelations some folks want to keep buried. Cue the creepy mood music and buckle in for a compelling read.

Garrett is hoping renovating that old house will be the next step up in establishing a contracting career. He isn’t prepared for the malicious undercurrents that ricochet around the room whenever Aspen shows up in public. Stunned when he’s asked to keep tabs on her activities, Garret is torn between old loyalties and the unexpected attraction to the town’s lovely newcomer.

Eeeppp!! ‘Inheritance of Secrets’ is full of drama, mystery and page-turning goodness.