Kav's Best Reads

Remember the Lilies + Giveaway

Irene and Rand come from very different walks of life. Will they find common ground in their fight to survive?

Irene has grown up in the jungle as a missionary with her Aunt Anita, but now she and countless others are imprisoned by Japanese soldiers at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in the Philippines. Irene and her aunt are safe there, and she keeps busy with her duty of delivering censored messages to the camp’s prisoners, but like everyone else, she prays for the war to end and for her freedom.

Rand is a wealthy, womanizing American, whose attempted escape from the internment camp has put himself and others in danger. When Rand and Irene’s Aunt Anita meet one another in the hospital, Irene learns more of his story and her heart is determined to save his family. But the danger outside the walls of the hospital worsens every day, and life in this exotic place is anything but luxurious. Can Irene find Rand’s family before they disappear forever? And can a humble missionary woman and an arrogant man find common ground in the face of their biggest fears?

My Review:

published in 2015

I have been enjoying the host of Christian fiction World War II novels released recently and Remember the Lilies is another one going straight onto my keeper shelf. It’s an absorbing look into a very different aspect of the war and I really appreciated the fresh perspective.

Tolsma has done her research and brings the past to life in all it’s brutal desperation. This is a gripping read I found hard to put down…in places. Mind you, at other times I couldn’t close the book quickly enough to shut out the atrocities that burned heartbreaking images into my mind. This novel showcases both the very best and the very worst of humanity. A stunning tribute to the courage and tenacity of internment camp survivors.

Rand and Irene’s love story takes on a surreal quality set as it is against the stark background of a World War II internment camp. They come from extremely different pre-war worlds — his steeped in wealth and privilege — hers in a life of faith and service. They approach survival in the Santos Tomas camp in very different ways but as time passes, emotions and values shift and they find themselves gravitating towards one another. The incongruity of romance in the midst of such depravity sharpens the emotional impact of their story.

A beautiful celebration of courage and honour and commitment to a God who has plans beyond our own understanding.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and open to any reader anywhere in the world so, yay, an International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Remember the Lilies, 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 23 2026

For the Record + Giveaway

Random retro reread

Betsy Huckabee might be a small-town girl, but she has big-city dreams. Writing for her uncle’s newspaper will never lead to independence, and the bigger newspapers don’t seem interested in the Hart County news. Trying a new approach, Betsy pens a romanticized serial for the ladies’ pages, and the new deputy provides the perfect inspiration for her submissions. She’d be horrified if he read her breathless descriptions of him, but these articles are for a newspaper far away. No one in Pine Gap will ever know.

Deputy Joel Puckett didn’t want to leave Texas, but this job in tiny Pine Gap is his only shot at keeping his badge. With masked marauders riding every night, his skills and patience are tested, but even more challenging is the sassy journalist lady chasing him.

My Review:

published in 2016

Another lively gem from Regina Jennings. Love her mix of humour and angst and this one even has a mystery to unravel. All the ingredients for a spellbinding read.

There’s nothing quite like a doomed romance. From the moment Joel lays eyes on Betsy he knows she’s trouble. And she doesn’t cotton to him either — at least not right away. Though the writer in her is tempted to romanticize the dashing deputy even though he labels her the most bothersome woman he’s ever come across. They don’t court as much as they spar. Heated arguments that had me laughing out loud. Like: “I’m particularly incensed, three notches past riled. And you deserve to be doused with dredges of my vocabulary.” (p. 215)

Then there are the tender moments when things turn heatedly romantical. Be. Still. My. Heart. Can you say toe-curling kisses? Delicious! Tantalizing! And oh so sweet in the midst of the turbulence that surrounds them.

A scrumptious blend of romance, action and mystery for discerning readers who like to laugh while they swoon.

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 For the Record, 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 23 2026

Deadly Currents + Giveaway

Investigative journalist Cressida arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father’s manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the “ghost ship” Specter’s Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind–Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces.

County detective Braden is in Hidden Bay for one reason–to get his niece lifesaving medical treatment. To do that, he is assigned to protect Cressida from a revenge-driven enemy. Together, Braden and Cressida dig deeper to discern the myth from the facts surrounding the Specter’s Bounty. Entangled in secrets, they must unravel the past before it destroys their future.

Brace yourself for Elizabeth Goddard’s final adrenaline-inducing installment in the Hidden Bay series.

My Review:

“Brace yourself for Elizabeth Goddard’s final adrenaline-inducing installment in the Hidden Bay series.”

Brace yourself indeed! I’m still gobsmacked by the intrigue and hidden agendas and secrets! What a twisty-turny tale that builds to a crescendo of a series conclusion. No worries if you haven’t read the first two books in the ‘Hidden Bay’ series (though you should!) because ‘Deadly Currents’ reads very well as a standalone novel, but we do get the occasional cameo from some familiar characters which is always fun for seasoned fans.

I’m not sure I can find words to describe the suspense. Gripping just doesn’t cut it. Riveting? Compelling? Nope, not enough ‘oomph’ behind those descriptors, though they all definitely fit. It’s more than that – I was literally on edge, waiting with bated breath to figure it all out, to make the connections, to understand all the intricate layers. Spellbound from start to finish.

And Goddard strikes the perfect ratio between action scenes and ‘calmer’ ones. She gives us lots of time in between adrenaline rushes to explore Braden and Cressida’s backstories and relationship. Both are fraught with emotion and hidden depths. Even secrets. Love the push/pull in the romance even as I agonized over Braden’s well intentioned deception. What a thrill of a read!

Or listen in my case. I thoroughly enjoyed Chloe Pfeiffer’s excellent narration. Her portrayal of these characters was spot on and the way she conveyed high tension points and the desperation in the action scenes brought a next level sense of exhilaration to the story.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice

Canada – 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 Deadly Currents, 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 23 2026

National Little Free Library Day! + Giveaway

Did you know that May 17th is National Little Free Library Day? I just found out and knew this would make a great Conversations With Kav topic…especially since it falls on the actual day. Woohoo, how fun is that?!

I made a collage of Little Free Libraries in my area – these images were captured from the official Little Free Library website. They have a map of all the registered Little Free Libraries so you can check out if there are any in your area. According to their stats there are LFLs in all 50 states plus 120 countries and over 300 million books have been shared worldwide! How cool is that? (Plus there are loads more that aren’t registered – 3 are in my immediate neighbourhood – so that means even more books shared!)

Important sidenote: the Little Free Library in the bottom left hand corner of the collage is at a church I’ll likely attend after I move. Eeeeepppp, they look like my kind of people!

Here’s a little blurb from the official website that explains the concept of Little Free Libraries:

“Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchange boxes.

Our vision is a Little Free Library in every community and a book for every reader. We believe all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege.“

Sounds like it was originally organized for the benefit of young readers but I know all the Little Free Libraries in my area do a rip-roaring adult business as well. I’ve donated some of my gently read books and I’m always tickled to find them gone when I check in at the Little Free Library days later. My subtle way of getting Christian Fiction out into the world one book at a time 🙂

So, I have questions (of course I do!) Are you a regular Little Free Library visitor? Or, eeeeppp, are you a steward of your very own Little Free Library?

And here’s the all important GIVEAWAY question:

What is the title of a book (Christian Fiction/ Closed Door) you would love to spy in a Little Free Library you frequent? The kind of book that would turn you giddy and set you to happy dancing in the street out of sheer bibliophile glee?! Share the title and author in a comment and if your name is drawn, that is the book you will win. Best Reads will become a virtual Little Free Library for the day! Awesomesauce!

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 23 2026.

May 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!

On a Summer Tide + Giveaway

random retro reread

Sometimes love hurts–and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. “Moving on” is Cam’s mantra. But there’s a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.

Cam’s full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island–a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam’s surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals–and one in particular. Sam Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.

With On a Summer Tide, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins a brand-new contemporary romance series that is sure to delight her fans and draw new ones.

My Review:

published in 2019

Eeeeppp!!! I’m all starry-eyed over this new series by Suzanne Woods Fisher! I’m an ardent fan of her Amish novels and did wonder if a straight contemporary would have the same pizzazz — and, boy, does it ever!!!!

An island in Maine is the perfect setting for this author’s trademark community-with-quirks world building. From the Never Late Ferry (no schedule = never late) to the sketchy wi-fi service to the wary locals — well, I’m a tad shy of giddy over all the eccentricities that bring touches of humour to the very real struggles facing Paul Grayson and his daughters.

And secondary character Peg Legg (yes, that’s really her name! Not just pulling your leg…bwahahaha — sorry!) brightens every scene she’s in. A plain-spoken woman with a big heart, she becomes an anchor for the newcomers who have definitely stepped out of their comfort zone. “One thing I know, you either get bitter or better by what life throws at you.” (p 81) This book is full to brimming with Pegisms like that!

On a Summer Tide is told from multiple points of view — Paul and his three daughter, Cam, Maddie and Blaine. I love the way Fisher sets the series up here, drawing readers into the heart of this complicated and somewhat dysfunctional family. And there are things I love and…don’t….about each sister. Maddie in particular got my dander up and I’m looking forward to what’s in store for her in the next book.

But Cam is featured in this first book and though I couldn’t relate to her at first — she’s very corporate success driven and that’s just not me at all! — I loved watching her true self emerge under island magic…and the influence of a certain ‘new to the island’ local and one-room schoolhouse teacher extraordinaire. Loved Seth on first sight. A man of deep faith who isn’t afraid to share: “We all have to let go of the need to prove ourselves. Our souls aren’t a matter of commerce, we’re a matter of faith.” (p 219) He’s the perfect foil for Cam…and a man of mystery too. I guarantee her’ll surprise you!

Such an enthralling start to the Three Sisters Island series! I’m so enamoured I’ve been hunting online for the release info for the next book but I can’t even find out the title! Sob! Hope we don’t have long to wait because I’m ready for another island visit!

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 16 2026

A Most Inconvenient Marriage + Giveaway

random retro reread

A Marriage of Convenience Turns Most Inconvenient in this Historical Charmer

Having fled a difficult home life, Civil War nurse Abigail Stuart feels like her only friend in the world is sweet but gravely wounded patient Jeremiah Calhoun. Fearing he won’t survive, the Confederate soldier’s last wish is that Abigail look after his sickly sister at home. Marry him, return to his horse farm, and it’ll be hers.

Left with few choices, Abigail takes him up on his offer and moves to Missouri after his death, but just as the family learns to accept her, the real Jeremiah Calhoun appears–puzzled to find a confounding woman posing as his wife. Jeremiah is determined to have his life back to how it was before the war, but his own wounds limit what he can do on his own. Still not fully convinced Abigail isn’t duping him, he’s left with no choice but to let the woman stay and help–not admitting to himself she may provide the healing his entire family needs.

My Review:

published in 2014

I didn’t know it was possible to swoon while convulsing with laughter until I read A Most Inconvenient Marriage! What an incredible mix of gripping emotion and light-hearted humour. I was in a tizzy of ecstasy the whole read!

Jeremiah is exasperating in his cluelessness when it comes to women and that makes him endearing in an irritating sort of way. LOL And Abigail is pure stubbornness — so determined to do it all alone. What an ill-fated pair, especially when you take into account the unusual circumstances that bring them together. Add in the complications and dangers of the post-civil war South and a host of engaging secondary characters and you get a story as thought-provoking and inspiring as it is entertaining.

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 A Most Inconvenient Marriage, 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 May16 2026

Danger in the Rockies + Giveaway

A K-9 team’s investigation

leads to a deadly case of mistaken identity.

K-9 officer Maren Anderson is shocked when she catches a glimpse of her presumed-dead twin sister—moments before a shooter opens fire. DEA agent Colt Dawson rescues her and helps secure the crime scene, but before Maren can find her sister, Opal vanishes again. Maren has questions and so does Colt—especially since Opal may be the key to exposing a drug kingpin’s identity. But now the cartel leader’s henchmen think Maren is her sister and she has a target on her back. Forced to work together to unravel the deadly mystery, Maren and Colt must track down her twin before the criminals closing in claim their lives…

My Review:

Intriguing and intense with undercurrents of romance, ‘Danger in the Rockies’ is the kind of book you want to devour in one sitting. I was committed right from the frantic opening scene that propels Maren into unexpected chaos and danger. Luckily, Colt and his own K-9 partner are able to render aide whereupon their individual cases – and their lives – become entangled as they search for answers.

Their emotionally charged love story gradually evolves behind the scenes while investigative work and thwarting villains take precedence. Loved the pacing and the way Reed breathes life into her characters – not only Colt and Maren, but her whole team as well. I’m so looking forward to getting everybody’s story by the end of the year.

So, yes, this is the third book in the ‘Colorado K-9 Unit’ continuity series but it reads well as a standalone too. I really appreciated the way the author merged the over-arcing series suspense elements within the specifics for the case unique to this book. Very well done and easy to follow. Plus, I’m more excited than ever to get back with the team and follow some clues and finally get some answers!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of ‘Danger in the Rockies’ expertly narrated by Tanya Eby. She has become a favourite voice in my listening library and finding her name listed in the credits is likely to sway my purchasing impulse. Definitely an audio book I can happily recommend.

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

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

Please note: This book releases on May 26

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Danger in the Rockies, 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

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest + Giveaway

random retro read

A beautiful maiden who poaches to feed the poor.

A handsome forester on a mission to catch her.

Danger and love are about to unite in Thornbeck Forest.

The margrave owns the finest hunting grounds for miles around–and Odette Menkels spends her nights poaching his deer to feed the hungry orphans of Thornbeck. By day, Odette is a simple maiden who teaches children to read, but by night this young beauty has become the secret lifeline to the poorest of the poor.

For Jorgen Hartman, the margrave’s forester, tracking down a poacher is a duty he is all too willing to perform. Jorgen inherited his post from the man who raised him . . . a man who was murdered at the hands of a poacher.

When Jorgen and Odette meet at the Midsummer festival and share a connection during a dance, neither has any idea that they are already adversaries.

The one man she wants is bound by duty to capture her; the one woman he loves is his cunning target . . . What becomes of a forester who protects a notorious poacher? What becomes of a poacher when she is finally discovered?

My Review:

published in 2016

What a captivating read! Dickerson has a way with words that makes me feel like I’ve careened back in time to a fairy tale land where swoonworthy heroes are no match for their cunning heroines and where good and evil are in a constant battle. I love that she’s started this new fairy tale series for adults! I’ve never grown out of my love for the genre and fairy tale retellings are among my favourite reads.

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest has all the essential ingredients of a beloved classical tale. A hero with an impossible task, a heroine who might just need rescuing (though she’s pretty spunky!), plenty of subterfuge, a nefarious villain and, of course, the ultimate triumph of good over evil. But that doesn`t mean this read is predictable. It`s anything but! In fact, I got to a point where I couldn`t turn the pages fast enough in my desperate bid to find out what happened next. And through it all, the author maintains the cadence of storytelling from days of yore. Simply put: the kind of read that makes your heart happy.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and open to any reader anywhere in the world so, yay, an International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest, 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

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