Kav's Best Reads

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!

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!

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.

Love’s Rescue + Giveaway

random retro re-read

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O’Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.

My Review:

published in 2015

A compelling tale of forgiveness and redemption.

Truth be told I didn’t immediately connect with Elizabeth. Selfish might be the best way to describe her. Not in a deliberate, unfeeling way. She just doesn’t know any better. Her folly is part temperament and part upbringing. She’s so intent on what she wants she often fails to notice the needs of others…or even that her actions might have repercussions that involve other people. Time and experience provide her an opportunity to remedy all that. And that’s what make the story so good. We get to watch Elizabeth stretch and grow — and it’s a painful experience but also a rewarding one. She softens and matures through the course of the novel and I was cheering her on by the end. I love when an author changes my mind about a character. Now that’s talent!

Fascinating historical details add an extra layer of satisfaction to this read. Lush details and infuriating social norms engaged my emotions just as much as the riveting plot. And the Romeo and Juliet style romance — well, sublime doesn’t quite describe the thrill it gave me. An engrossing read from the tumultuous beginning to the soul-stirring end.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and available to any reader anywhere so – yay- another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Love’s Rescue, 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 January 31 2026.

Every Deadly Suspicion + Giveaway

Thirty years after a federal agent and two suspects disappeared in the wilderness, the case is cold, and they’ve never been found. Now their suspected killer is about to go free. But is the truth really what it seems?

In Dry Oaks, California, Chief of Police Hanna Keyes has long believed her father, Joe, is a murderer, justly imprisoned for his crimes. When she’s told he’s dying and is being given compassionate release from prison, she wants nothing to do with him. But taking him in might be Hanna’s one shot at cracking the cold case of his alleged murders, so she reluctantly agrees to oversee his care.

Joe’s arrival in Dry Oaks seems to set off a chain reaction of crimes. Then an infamous true crime podcaster comes sniffing for information, and Hanna’s first love, Jared, shows up just when she needs distractions the least. As Hanna tries to convince Joe to reveal what he knows about the missing persons, evidence in the cold case surfaces at a suspiciously rapid pace . . . suggesting there’s more to the murders than people thought.

With Joe’s strength failing, Hanna and her colleagues look for answers, not only about the past but also about recent criminal dealings in Dry Oaks. As the puzzle pieces start to fit together, it becomes clear that there’s a sinister plot at work, far more wide-reaching than anyone suspected, and that someone is desperate to silence the truth at any cost.

My Review:

A tautly intricate Police Procedural that kept me guessing. The plot twists have plot twists and that includes in Hanna’s personal life as well! And this is where I need to mention that not only does that include a dreaded Love Triangle (yikes!) but we get both men’s points of view as well. Talk about giving romance loving readers heart palpitations!

I appreciate the authenticity Cantore brings to the policing aspects of this suspense. As a former police officer, her inside knowledge shows and makes the suspense that much more compelling. It’s a complicated mix of different cases, including a cold case involving her father. Emotions run high and Hanna struggles to find a balance between her personal life and her professional one.

Full of raw emotion, living out tough truths and grappling with the real meaning of forgiveness and grace – phew! – Hanna is on an unforgettable journey and I was with her every step of the way.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook or paperback– 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 Every Deadly Suspicion 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 January 31 2026.

Hearts on the Fly + Giveaway

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?

Delve into award-winning author Toni Shiloh’s sports romance for fans of Emma St. Clair, Pepper Basham, and Melissa Ferguson.

My Review:

Not many authors can lure me over to the dark side, aka sports romance, but Toni Shiloh is definitely one of them. I was so enamoured with the story, I didn’t even cringe at the hockey descriptions…and, shocker, I actually understood them and could see the game playing out in my mind. So, rest assured, you don’t need to be a hockey buff in order to enjoy contemporary romance.

And oh my, but does this author ever know how to write a swoonworthy romance! Hello, I’m looking at you, Jabari! Thud! Friendly reader alert: have a stockpile of smelling salts and fans next to your fainting couch to ensure maximum reading comfort.

And when I wasn’t swooning (on repeat) over our hero, I was completely immersed in Val’s family drama. One of the most memorable family dinner scenes I’ve ever read made me cringe, fume and burst out laughing in quick succession!

Shiloh has a talent for seamlessly switching from lighthearted moments to heart wrenching ones. So yes, her trademark banter and teasing (Jabari’s guy friend discussions are so much fun!) are on full display but her storytelling also takes on emotional depth with strong inspirational threads that took my breath away!

“God’s got you. I don’t know what your future looks like, but as long as He is in control you be can sure He’s with you in the trial.”

Both Val and Jabari have their own personal demons to conquer and I love the way that played out. They grew together, supported one another and, most importantly, talked things out! I loved every second of their journey!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Hearts on the Fly’ brilliantly narrated by AhDream Smith and Hassiem Muhammad. They brought the right mood to their performances — a lovely mix of lighthearted charm and emotional depth. Highly recommend the audio book to discerning listeners.

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

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 Hearts on the Fly 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 January 31 2026.

Whiteout + Giveaway

Brace yourself for a snowbound adventure in this 2-in-1 novella collection from your favorite romantic suspense authors as an avalanche forces two couples to face down their enemies in a ski resort shut off from the outside world.

In “Buried in Shadows” by Dani Pettrey, Cassandra Parker arrives at her best friend’s destination wedding, praying her stalker didn’t follow her to Colorado. Also part of the wedding party is Sheriff Joel Brunswick, the man Cassandra left at the altar to save his life. When an avalanche traps their skiing party in an abandoned lodge, it soon becomes dangerously clear Cassandra’s stalker has followed her . . . and he is willing to kill to make her his.

In “Snowbound Secrets” by Lynette Eason, Dr. Maya Sullivan fully intends to escape her past and finish planning a retreat for military veterans at the ranch she’s inherited. Unfortunately, her plans go sideways when an avalanche traps her in a Colorado ski resort. An unexpected reunion with her high school crush forces her to confront past wounds, but she soon realizes someone is targeting her, and their search for a shadowy enemy becomes a matter of life and death.

My Review:

Two exceptional romantic suspense authors join forces to deliver edge-of-your-seat reads guaranteed to keep the pages turning. Both novellas feature a closed-circle mystery which makes the suspense all the more thrilling. No one can get in and no one can get out…and that means the killer walks among them! Spine-chilling delight!

Be prepared for eerie stalker vibes galore in Dani Pettrey’s ‘Buried in the Shadows’. Shiver — very appropriate title by the way. A second chance romance featuring an almost bride who left her groom at the altar! Gasp! But she had a very good reason. One year later and family/friend obligations have them reunited…and stalked by a killer in avalanche country. Pettrey takes the whole stranded in the wilderness and fighting the elements tropes to a whole other level in this taut, sometimes creepy suspense. Includes brief, chilling villain POV that slowly becomes more revealing until the breath-snatching climax.

In Lynette Eason’s ‘Snowbound Secrets’, teenaged friends meet years later under unlikely circumstances. Both Maya and Gideon are seeking respite at a remote ski resort when their best laid plans are upended by a catastrophic avalanche. This friends to more romance is fraught with tension and plenty of action. Someone has targeted Maya and as the attacks intensify, the two grow closer as they look for answers…and a way to escape! Lovely emotional depth and expert pacing made this novella a consume in one sitting kind of read.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of ‘Whiteout’ narrated by Natalia Payne who did a wonderful job delivering all that tension and emotion which made for a thrilling listening experience.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook or paperback– 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 Whiteout 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 January 31 2026.