Kav's Best Reads

Conversations With Kav – Are you a Lionheart? + Giveaway

I had no idea I was a Lionheart – until a few days ago, I didn’t even know what one was! But now I can staunchly affirm that yes, indeed, I am wholeheartedly a Lionheart! In case you haven’t heard, a Lionheart is an ardent follower of all things relating to ‘The UnSelected Journals of Emma M. Lion‘, a series which has made a resurgence in the publishing world since the original indie books were bought up by a mainstream publisher and given some upstage marketing. Now it’s all anyone can talk about in my bookish online world. Instagram and Book Tube are all agog. Can’t speak for Facebook, but I’m curious to know if this particular Emma obsession has taken over there as well.

I met Emma late this summer and I am now obsessed! It didn’t start out that way though. I was kinda ‘meh’ with The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol 1 until close to the 50% mark and then things really picked up and I was compelled to keep going. But I guess I should backtrack incase you haven’t heard of this suddenly over-the-top popular series.

Emma M. Lyon is a Regency heroine – an impoverished young woman, orphaned and under the guardianship of an odious distant cousin until she comes of age at 21. Each journal covers about two months of her life, and yes, that means the entire story(ies) are written in journal format. So, fans of epistolary novels rejoice! These are quite brilliant! And if you are not a fan of this type of storytelling, Emma is sure to change your mind.

The books are funny and poignant and Emma is utterly charming. Feisty and outspoken at a time when women decidedly were not. And the situations she gets into! Her eclectic collection of friends, including a number of single gentlemen who may or may not become romantic interests. I’ve only read three journals so far so I don’t know what’s going to happen though I’m sure it will turn into an unlimited number love triangle. I’m both terrified and thrilled at the prospect. 🙂

The books are expensive in Canada, $25 each and there are eight in the series with a ninth book coming out in November. Luckily I’ve found the audio books on Libby and Hoopla and I have to say they are fantastic! The holds on the print books are crazy long at my library — 200-300 per book! My only complaint about the series is the price of the books – they are novella length so really expensive. Also, it would have been easy for the publisher to combine two journals into one book and cut the cost for readers so I feel like it’s a bit of a money grab.

But I’m as crazed as the rest of the Lionhearts who are posting about “Emma M. Lion” on social media. I’ve seen pictures of shelves showcasing the books along with items that represent scenes from the stories. Posts predicting who Emma will marry. Stirring controversy over whether we have even met her intended yet. (I even have a hair-raising theory that would be catastrophic if it came to pass!) There are bookstagram shots of Emma M. Lion books out in the wild. People dressed in Regency garb as they read one of her journals. All kinds of images are popping up in my feed and I am loving it!

So, I desperately need to know. Have you met Emma yet? If so, what do you think of her journals?

In general, are you a fan of epistolary novels? If so, can you share any titles? I can only think of Pepper Basham’s series with the emails and texts – but not for the entire book, and Daddy-Long-Legs from my childhood. Oh and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Share your thoughts in a comment and you could win:

Offer open to US and Canada readers as well as International Readers who have a US Kindle account. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday September 25 2026.

September Giveaway – Week Three

Before we get to the winners – here are the book titles that match the quotes from last Sunday’s Conversation with Kav, listed in order of popularity, aka, the order I will read them in. 🙂

First Love, Second Draft by Becca Kinzer – “Gracie loved Mona with every beat of her heart, but the occasional moment arose when she wanted nothing more than to smack her beloved sister in the face with a Bavarian cream pie.”
A Hidden Hope by Suzanne Woods Fisher – “She should have known it was too good to be true.”
The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh – “If I were a character in a novel, this is what the author would write.”
The Deep End of Love by Christian Suzann Nelson – “The air in the spectator area of Brownsburg High’s swimming pool is nothing short of heavy, but there’s safety in the thickness.”
To Win a Crown by Rachel Hauck – “For the most part, her days were the same as before.”
C is for Courting by Shelley Shepard Gray – “The weather is miserable, especially for the middle of October.”

Wasn’t that a great library book haul? Were you surprised by any of the title/first line matches?

And now, back to our regularly scheduled programme!

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 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

Christy Award Finalists – First Novel Category

Witness Safeguard Mission

A family in a killer’s crosshairs.
A K-9 determined to defend.

When Nicole Woodard and her young sister witness their father’s murder by an unknown assailant, Nicole knows they’re next on the killer’s hit list. Now they must rely on Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 partner, Caesar, for protection. The killer will stop at nothing to silence the sisters and keep the crime hidden. But what could their father have been involved in that got him killed? With attacks coming from all sides and dangerous family secrets being exposed, can Braydon and Nicole stay alive long enough to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?

My Review:

What a heartbreaking and hair-raising opening scene! Carol J. Post catapulted me right into the middle of Nicole’s devastating chaos and I was immediately emotionally invested in her story. There’s tension and danger at every turn but she has a fighting chance with Braydon and his K-9 partner on her side. Loved that German Shepherd Caesar does double duty as emotional support for Nicole’s traumatized little sister too. Gotta love a diversified canine!

A compelling romantic suspense that strikes a nice balance between the romance and the suspense. I loved how open Braydon was to helping Nicole even though he’s on vacation. Their ‘chance’ encounter in the National Park sets them on an unforgettable journey that kept me compulsively listening to Emma Lysy’s captivating narration. She delivered just the right amount of tension and drama ,infused with the occasional touch of humour, to really bring this story to life. I thoroughly enjoyed my listening experience and can honestly recommend the audio edition of ‘Witness Safeguard Misson’.

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

Coordinates of Death + Giveaway

A police officer will do anything to catch the serial killer that got away—even if it means playing a deadly game in the icy wilderness.

Sweetwood Falls, Yukon, has seen too much terror for one small town. Corporal Aurora Hunt still blames herself for not catching the Shadow Box Killer before five women lost their lives. The killings stopped two years ago, and her colleagues believe the murderer is dead. But Aurora isn’t convinced.

A chilling discovery on a winter’s morning confirms her fears. The crime scene is all too familiar—a woman’s mutilated body, and beneath it, a box containing a gruesome souvenir. But this time, there’s a special message, daring Aurora to play a game that will lead her into the wilderness to try and save the next victim.

Canadian Watcher Squad survivalist Kordell Greene is part of the past that Aurora has tried to put behind her. He’s also the only person equipped to guide her through this deadly terrain. But somehow, the killer knows all their secrets. Solving cryptic clues as they battle the elements, Aurora and Kordell must confront dark truths they’ve withheld, even from each other. And always, the Shadow Box Killer is one step ahead, drawing them deeper into a twisted game where the slightest mistake may be their last.

My Review:

Whoa! This was waaaaaayyy out of my comfort zone but I was completely mesmerized just the same. Turner writes ‘creepy’ with flare and I’m still shuddering over some scenes. I might be compulsively checking my windows and doors for awhile yet. lol

Having said that, the author has an uncanny way of writing thriller details without the over-the-top descriptions usually found in this kind of book. Though, fair warning to gentle readers like me who have vivid imaginations – sometimes just the hint of something is enough to send my my mind into overdrive so proceed with caution. Also, content warning in particular for something in the heroine’s past that is quite horrific.

Loved the Canadian Yukon setting with the occasional sojourn into Alaska. And a top-notch survivalist hero makes for a compelling romantic interest. Kordell and Aurora were friends in their teens during a troubling time and their bittersweet reunion is fraught with emotion, both past and present. Adds all sorts of tension to the plot, especially with the secrets they have buried.

The villain is psychological horror story level and the taunting and treachery is diabolical. Shudder. It’s a miracle Rory kept her sanity through it all…and I mean that literally since her faith is her support even when its at its most tenuous. The moving inspirational thread around forgiveness is both challenging and hopeful.

A gritty, compulsive read but definitely not for the faint of heart. I actually listened to ‘Coordinates of Death’ narrated by Lenor A. Woodworth, which might have made it creepier. Something about the villain’s voice whispering right in my ear was unsettling! Woodworth’s talent for delivering creepy ambiance through her performance could be considered disquieting, but utterly riveting as well!

My thanks to HarperCollins, Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition 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 Coordinates of Danger, 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 19 2026

The Memory House + Giveaway

Some truths aren’t buried. They’re trained to stay quiet.
Elise Warren believes the danger is in the past.
She’s wrong.

When Elise returns to her childhood home to settle her estranged father’s estate, she expects unanswered questions—especially about Ivy, the quiet girl who lived there and then vanished.

What she finds is far worse.

Her father’s psychological work wasn’t meant to heal children. It was meant to control them. And someone else may have been watching—someone who never needed to be in the room to be obeyed.

As Elise uncovers the truth, she realizes her return wasn’t an accident.

It was anticipated.

And the experiment may not be over.

Because some experiments don’t end. They wait.

My Review:

Mercy, but did this book ever deliver all the Gothic Goodness I’d been craving! So atmospheric, verging on the edge of eerie but not to the hair-raising thriller level of some books. More mysterious with pockets of spooky throughout.

And the way the story develops – honestly I was so confused (in a good way!) Elise can’t remember a chunk of her childhood until she returns to a dilapidated old house she and her mother had fled twenty years earlier. I was full of questions and my imagination worked overtime, creating the most outlandish scenarios since the author was not obligingly forthcoming. Though I love the way Alford paced the mystery, teasing us with mere snippets of facts oh so gradually throughout the read. And, double mercy, that ending! Not even on my radar. At all!

‘The Memory House’ is an all-consuming, page-turner steeped in mystery with hints of romance and some gentle inspirational truths to keep things on an even keel.

“Maybe breaking isn’t always the end.”

Her gaze lifted. “You really believe that?”

“I believe God can rebuild what people damage.”

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently used copy of this book so is available for any reader anywhere in the world so – Yay – INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Memory House, 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 19 2026.

Belle’s Christmas Carol + Giveaway

While all of London waits for snow, an orphanage in need holds holiday cheer, sparks of love, and secrets waiting to be discovered.

When Ebeneezer Scrooge’s former fiancée, Belle Beaumont, unexpectedly inherits a struggling London orphanage, she dreams of giving the children of Haven House the most splendid Christmas they’ve ever known. But her vision of snowflakes and merriment quickly collides with reality: Fire damage has rendered part of the building unsafe, and the paperwork is years behind.

Barrister Rafe Munro is fighting to clear an innocent man and searching for a child, who may be his relative. His pursuit leads him to Haven House, where Rafe offers to help Belle sort through the chaotic records that might lead to the missing child. Amid the mayhem of running an orphanage full of mischievous children and eccentric staff, will Belle and Rafe find love and the answers they seek this holiday season?

With characters from Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, this festive historical romance Christmas novella of family and second chances from Michelle Griep is set in Victorian England.

My Review:

What a Dickensian wonder! Griep has created a story that seamlessly fits into the Victorian storytelling style. Words and phrasing reflect the era and help to create the atmosphere that so many of us feel when we think of Dickens’ classic Christmas Carol. And the way she fits a young Ebenezer into Rafe and Belle’s story is quite brilliant!

Rich with a gamut of emotions. Belle with her unexpected inheritance and the lively (understatement!) young orphans who live there. Not to mention the well-meaning but bumbling servants who might take more supervision then all the children combined. Poignant moments mix with hearty laugh-out-loud ones. And then there’s Rafe, an earnest young lawyer desperate to make a difference in the world, only to find himself unexpectedly at the orphange’s doorstep in the midst of complete bedlam. His orderly existence takes a turn for the worse…or maybe I should say better since it comes with Belle.

The perfect combination of heart and hope at Christmastime, ‘Belle’s Christmas Carol’ is destined to become its own kind of seasonal classic in years to come.

I listened to the audio book narrated by Jennifer Smith who did an amazing job with the variety of characters of all ages and accents. Such a fun and entertaining listening experience!

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 Belle’s Christmas Carol, 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 19 2026.

Christy Awards 2026 Finalists – Contemporary Romance

What are the Christy Awards?

The Christy Award is destined to nurture creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview and showcase the diversity of genres. These 2026 finalists are books published in 2025.

How does this Giveaway work?

You select ONE of the Contemporary Romance finalists you would like to receive if your name is drawn. Mention the title in a comment. If you win that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. Here are the finalists. (I have provided links to my reviews of the books I have read.)

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

Giveaway details may vary with each book (print, ebook only or winner’s choice of either, plus audible options for Canadians.) Edition availability will be noted in bold after the title/author/publisher of each entry. ALSO NOTE: *Giveaway is for US and Canada OR ebook international if you have US Kindle account*

Echoes of a Silent Song, Amanda Wen
Kregel Publications, 9780825449819

Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

A split-time romance from an award-winning author
When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight’s goal at Peterson High is rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible.

As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day.

But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core.

With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town’s history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology.

Hearts on the Fly, Toni Shiloh
Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764245206

Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on ice–but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey, but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up–only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex’s sister.

Val never expected to be sitting across from Jabari, especially after the way he broke her sister’s heart. But when Jabari opens up about his diagnosis, Val’s guarded heart softens, and she offers him a listening ear out of compassion. What begins as a simple friendship quickly turns into something more.

As Jabari navigates life off the ice and searches for a new purpose, he’s drawn to Val in ways he didn’t expect. With her loyalty to her family on the line and Jabari searching for faith and a new purpose, can they make it to the goal together, or will their hearts wind up in the penalty box? https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/01/27/hearts-on-the-fly-giveaway/

Kate Landry Has a Plan, Rebekah Millet
Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764240966

Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

I turned to him, and he winked at me. Winked! We needed clear lines in place between us. We would not be flirty friends. We’d be friends, period. The sooner I made that distinction, the better.

Forty-year-old Kate Landry’s carefully planned life has become as messy as the powdered sugar on her famous beignets. Juggling the responsibilities of running her café, raising her teenage niece, and the emotional baggage from her breakup, Kate finds her world once again turned upside down when her first-ever crush, Micah Guidry, returns to town as the hunky local librarian.

As Kate struggles to implement her plans to expand her café amid the New Orleans Mardi Gras madness and the meddling of her conniving ex-fiancé, Micah becomes the unwitting hero of her misadventures, stirring up feelings she thought she’d long buried. How can falling in love in the Big Easy be this hard?

The Voice We Find, Nicole Deese
Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764241208

Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Sophie Wilder returns home to California with nothing more than a failed Broadway career and a geriatric cat. Stuck working at the family winery with her egotistical brother and desperate for a way to revive her acting dreams, she takes a side gig as an audiobook narrator with Fog Harbor Books. But getting mixed up in the life of her reluctant sound engineer was never a part of her plans.

August Tate is still reeling from taking guardianship of his teen sister. Determined to find a solution to her degenerative hearing loss and to prevent his private recording studio from going under, he agrees to produce audiobooks part-time. When Sophie breathes new life into his creativity and forms an unexpected bond with his sister, rooted in their common faith, he must confront the reasons he turned away from his own.

Bestselling and award-winning author Nicole Deese weaves an emotionally charged romance rich in the complexities of love and family.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday September 19 2026 (after 12 pm) REMEMBER TO CHECK GIVEAWAY EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH TITLE!

Conversations with Kav – Library Haul and What are we Reading? + Giveaway

I love my new library! It’s smaller than my previous branch but it’s packed with my kind of books! There’s even been a Christian Fiction novel in the end cap displays every time I’ve been there! And I tend go a couple of times a week. Eeeep! I actually picked one up on a whim today. Came home with a nice stash of CF, cozy mysteries and Christmas craft books this time ’round.

Since I’m close to finishing my current read (more about that later), I thought it would be fun to have you help me choose my next read from my recent library haul. I’m going to give you the first line of each book and you let me know which one interests you the most. The first line with the must fanfare will be the next book I read. And to make things interesting, I’m not going to include the author or the title of the book. 🙂

Which library book should I read next?

“If I were a character in a novel, this is what the author would write.”
“The air in the spectator area of Brownsburg High’s swimming pool is nothing short of heavy, but there’s safety in the thickness.”
“For the most part, her days were the same as before.”
“Gracie loved Mona with every beat of her heart, but the occasional moment arose when she wanted nothing more than to smack her beloved sister in the face with a Bavarian cream pie.”
“The weather is miserable, especially for the middle of October.”
“She should have known it was too good to be true.”

Let me know in the comments which first line piques your interest the most, I’ll tally the results at the end of the day and the most popular pick will become my read. And thank you for helping me choose!

What are you reading?

One of my favourite things about doing the Bingo entry tallies is seeing what everyone is reading. I always get some great recommendations that I add to my wishlist. Books and authors I’ve never heard of before and I get absolutely giddy excited! 🙂 Oh — and if you have sent me a bingo notification in the last few days, I’ve seen the emails, just haven’t tallied them into my little book so I haven’t replied to your email. That’s a task for tomorrow afternoon so stay tuned.

Anyway – periodically I sooooo enjoy doing this little ‘what are we reading?’ day where we simply share the title and author of the book we are currently reading. And then share a wee bit how you are feeling about the read so far.

Share in a comment (and don’t forget to include the # of the first sentence of the next book I should read) and you’ll be entered in the draw for:

This is my Current Read

So atmospheric! The perfect autumnal read. I am half way through and I am so befuddled and intrigued. A house full of secrets and a heroine who may or may not be in peril? Sooooo mysterious! A little bit creepy, but not over the top. Gothic vibes all the way in the style of Phyllis A Whitney, Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt from back in the day. Such a thrilling read!

Now it’s your turn. Let’s get the conversation started!

September Giveaway – Week Two

won by Angie Adams

won by Perrianne

won by Melissa Andres

won by Tammy Hudson

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:

Sunday

monday

Christy Awards 2026 Finalists – Contemporary Romance Category

Uncovering Explosive Secrets

A killer wants revenge.
A K-9 team stands in his way.

FBI Agent Austin Drake is ambushed at a fall fair moments before a bomb detonates. For Austin, this is no random act—it’s a personal message, especially since the attacks mirror the work of a criminal he put away years ago. Detective Melody Rust and her K-9 partner are on the scene to help, but it quickly becomes clear this is just the beginning of a targeted assault. With a toddler son to protect, Austin must work with Melody to unmask an enemy with a lethal agenda, before everyone becomes collateral damage.

My Review:

A blockbuster, action-packed opening scene sets the tone for this exhilarating read. I enjoyed the fall setting too – the story takes place in October – and it’s always fun to have your fictional friends enjoying the same season you are!

Austin and Melody come together at the crucial time in an exhaustive investigation into a villainous baby selling ring. Only something doesn’t jive at their first explosive meeting and they soon begin to suspect that another criminal has them on his radar which complicates things no end.

The suspense unique to this 7th Colorado K-9 Unit book is full of twists and nail-biting scenarios as well as expertly woven into the series suspense plot which is rapidly coming to a grand finale in book 8 — eep, I can’t wait! As with all the books in this series, ‘Uncovering Explosive Secrets’ can be read as a standalone. Black does an excellent job of bringing new readers up to speed with the nearly year long investigation details without burdening Austin and Melody’s story in any way.

Loved the way their romance developed – hesitant, wary, both with reasons to resist their attraction. I especially appreciated Austin’s personal struggles. The author shines a light on the immense emotional toll fighting crime can take on dedicated law enforcement personnel.

I listened to the audio edition of this book and enjoyed Angie Hickman’s narration. She did a great job balancing the emotion and tension in the story. It’s amazing how much a narrator’s performance plays into creating an atmosphere that matches the author’s storytelling style.

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