Conversations with Kav – Notable Read of the Year + Giveaway

First a bit of blog business: Christmas is fast approaching as is our last Reader’s Choice Week of the year and I’m looking for your input as to when and how to schedule it. I’m taking a break from blogging for Christmas week, December 22 – 28 so we’re looking at Reader’s Choice Week being mid December or the first week in January. I’m also considering drawing it out over two weeks instead of the hectic one, so we’d do three genre days the first week and three genre days the second week. That could be three days the week of December 15-21 and three days the week of December 29 – January 4. Or the first two weeks of January – Any preferences? Let me know in the comments.

‘Tis the season where bloggers, booktubers and bookstagrammers start making their top books of the year lists, daring to answer absolutely horrid questions like: What was your favourite book of the year? Seriously?! Who can pick just one? And choosing a favourite is like asking a mother to identify her favourite child! It’s just not done! So, I’ve modified the question and asked myself:

What is one notable book you read this year?

I thought I’d have a really hard time picking just one, but, honestly, there actually is one book that did come to mind right away, and it’s one I’ve thought about time and again since I read it way back in January! One of the reasons is because it seems to have been largely overlooked, in my sphere of social media anyway. There wasn’t a lot of hoopla over the book’s release or lots of review chatter. I didn’t see it posted on Instagram. I don’t even remember how I stumbled upon its existence — but oh my, am I ever glad I did! This story has stayed with me for a whole year! And it’s definitely one I’ll be adding to my re-read list. The book:

Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer

This is how I started my review: “Me after finishing this book: languishing on my fainting couch in a gobsmacked swoon of astounded delight. I did not expect this story to be so…royal and deep and spellbinding! And the faith thread about trusting God and how easy/hard that is all rolled into one. Goyer touched my heart and made me think and stunned me with the richness of this not quite fairy tale.”

You can read the full synopsis and my complete review here (but then come back for the giveaway): https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/01/11/trust-the-stars-giveaway/

Because this is such an awesome, unsung hero kinda book, I’m offering a giveaway of Trust the Stars. Details below. And feel free to share one of your 2024 notable reads as well!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Trust the Stars, 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 December 7 2024.

64 thoughts on “Conversations with Kav – Notable Read of the Year + Giveaway”

  1. Here we are in December, the fastest moving time of the year. I’m glad you are taking a week to enjoy all the Christmas festivities. I love Christmas, but I really enjoy the week after too. It’s still Christmas time, but the speed slows way down. I have time to ponder all the things, mainly I think about what it must have been like to be Mary, traveling while heavily pregnant and giving birth in less than sanitary conditions. Then there’s the whole diapering thing and did she have and physical complications. What must it have felt like to be talked about and judged? Real life stuff like that…

    On the subject of RC Week, you asked for preferences, so I’ll share my point of view. From the first pick on Dec 15th to the last day on Jan 4th is THREE weeks and all I can say is I’m like a KID at Christmas thinking I can’t make it three more weeks, lol. In past RC Weeks when it stretches 2 weeks is enough for me, so my vote is for the RC week to start after your Christmas time off when the blog resumes on the 29th. Just my 2 cents, do whatever feels best to you and I’ll be there for it 🙂

    Hmm, notable books…I have 16 for my Best of 2024 list so far, but 2 that keep coming back to my mind are Low Country Lost by TI Lowe and Hope Like Wildflowers by Pepper Basham. But the others are so good too, I never play this “name that book” game well, I want to defend all my favorites, haha.

    It’s finally COLD here, 30 degrees when I got up, so time to pull out the heavy sweater and coats. Hope everyone has the best Sunday worshiping and reading!

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    1. Love your practical after-Christmas musings, Tracey. There is something special about the calmness of that week between Christmas and New Year’s, isn’t there? (Unless you hit the Boxing Day sales up here!) And the season isn’t really over until Epiphany.

      Noted your preferences for RC week — 🙂 Were you the kid that shook all the presents under the Christmas tree? Bwahaha!

      I haven’t read Hope Like Wildflowers yet but there’s still 30 days left in the year so there’s hope! Good luck, Tracey. Sounds like you have the perfect weather for curling up with a good book.

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  2. With no plans made (unless doctor or tests change my schedule), I’m fine with whichever time is best for you.

    After reading THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS by Cindy K. Sproles, a new to me author at the time) last year, I knew without a doubt that I’d be reading COLD BLACK LIES this year.  Oh my, I loved it!  This author has a way of telling a story, often through hardships, with such an amazing thread of faith that it speaks to your soul and makes you think.  I can definitely see me reading either of these books again while I greatly anticipate the next book by this author.

    After reading your review on TRUST THE STARS earlier this year, I placed it on my TBR list.  Unfortunately, it hasn’t been read yet, but the great desire to do so is still there.  Thank you for the fabulous chance to win a copy.

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. I haven’t read anything by Cindy K. Sproles yet but I do have What Momma Left Behind on my TBR pile so I guess I should move her up to the top?! Sounds like she’s the kind of storyteller that tugs at a reader’s emotions. Thanks for sharing. I predict that you will love Trust the Stars — definitely a Kay kind of book. Good luck!

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  3. I don’t have any preferences for when you want to schedule anything on your blog. It’s a busy time of year and I just want you to be less stressed and enjoy it! We all need a break 🙂

    I think the most memorable book I read (or rather listened to) this year is The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady by Sharon Mondragon. It was a story rich in community, faith, getting out of our comfort zones, friendship, and so much more!!! If you haven’t listened, give it a go. It’s excellent!!

    Have a blessed and restful December, Kav!!!

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    1. Oohhh, yesssss!!!! The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady is definitely one of my notables too. It totally surprised me. My library finally has the second book in the series on order and I have it on hold. So excited! Good luck, Anne!

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  4. Happy Sunday everyone! Kav, I always enjoyed hopping by your blog to help celebrate my b’day (Dec 20) for RCW if it happened to fall on that day. 😄 But whatever works best for you, I’ll be there with bells on! Would you believe I have no idea yet which books release the month of Jan, Feb, & March except Laura Frantz? 😮 I better get busy researching!

    I already read Trust the Stars & it was so good! I can’t pick a favorite (glad you didn’t ask us to!), but Tea with Elephants By Robin Jones Gunn was so much more than just two friends traveling to Africa. To me it was such an anointed book about seeing God & feeling His presence in everything He created. Also The Rhythm of Fractured Grace stayed with as well. Sorry, that’s two, but I have more! 😉

    Have a blessed day, Kav!

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    1. Happy early birthday, Diane. May it be full of bookish blessings. 🙂 And cake. Chocolate too. And a cozy reading spot. I have seen Tea with Elephants roaming around social media, but it didn’t draw me in. You’ve changed my mind now, though! And I totally get being unable to pick just one! Happy Reading!

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      1. Thanks, Kav! You just described the perfect birthday! 😄 All that & my gkids visiting & I’ll be a happy camper. Not sure everyone came away feeling the same about Tea with Elephants as I did, but it sure ministered to me. I love stories that take place in Africa anyway, but this went deeper than that for me. I would’ve liked more romance in it but the friends were both married, so there went that idea. 😂

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      3. Yippee skippee! You’re such an animal lover, I know you’ll love it for that if nothing else!! Happy reading!!

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  5. I follow the blog for education and enjoyment, so I am perfectly happy with whatever works best for your schedule. My most notable read immediately comes to mind, but it wasn’t the criteria for this blog – it was a memoir and not a Christian fiction. Speaking of Trust the Stars, I have always enjoyed Tricia Goyer’s books and own several of them, but I suppose I really don’t hear quite as much about her releases as some of the other authors.

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    1. It’s interesting how under the radar she seems to be but she’s a big name in Christian Fiction and her books are popular. This one has a WWII connection too. I haven’t read a memoir in forever but I just checked out one about C S Lewis from my church library and I’m actually looking forward to reading it! I feel so grown up. 🙂 Good luck, CC!

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  6. The notable book for me this year was C.C. Warrens’s Cross the Line, which is #4 in the Holly Series. It’s quickly become one of my favorite book series of all time and I asked for #5 for Christmas because the series has had such an impact on my life.

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    1. So many of you guys have recommended C C Warrens lately. I’ve had Criss Cross on my audible wishlist for a while now maybe it’s time to click ‘buy’. Thanks for the nudge, Rebecca. Good luck!

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  7. The book that stood out to me this year was not released in 2024, but I believe the Lord placed it in my path when I needed it most. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip moved me so much that I used a portion of the book in my daughter’s eulogy. It will forever be special to me. 💔💚

    dmandres5 at gmail dot com

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      1. She knows! I made sure to email her right away to tell her and ask if I could use it. Allie, my daughter, was only 17, but she and Mrs. Kip had a lot in common! 💚

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  8. Happy Sunday Greetings to you Kav and everyone reading today. I like the idea of two weeks for RC week and whatever timing is best for you is my preference.

    I have two notable books to share. The first is The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche. This is such a wonderful book, just love the characters and their stories. It fully engaged all my emotions, which I love in a book.

    The second notable is Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes. I attended an author event the day I finished reading this one and totally blubbered my way through telling her how much I loved her books. I’ll always remember that experience when I think about this particular book!

    Trust the Stars is on my list to read too. I don’t think I’ve read any Tricia Goyer books yet.

    Sandyavery at comcast dot net

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    1. Thanks for the Reader’s Choice Week input, Sandy. Decisions. Decisions. Both the books you mentioned are on my TBR list — I have Born of Gilded Mountains on hold at my library must check out The Road Before Us. Thanks for sharing. Good luck!

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  9. Kav, I think I would vote for RC week after the holidays, but I’ll watch for it whenever you do it 🙂

    I read predominantly Christian fiction but do throw in a general market book here and there. Two out of the three I’ve read this year fall into the notable category – The Women by Kristin Hannah (nurses serving in Vietnam) and Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate (some heartbreaking Oklahoma history.) As I read Hannah’s book, the word masterpiece kept coming to mind (though being general market some language, war violence, and a few sexual situations are intermingled but not pervasive.) Shelterwood is one of those stories based on real events that I think should be added to high school and college reading lists. Tough subject matter in both but wow, they pack a punch.

    *If you don’t want comments that feature books other than Christian fiction, feel free to delete this one. I wasn’t sure. Just wanted to share a couple of really powerful books I read this year 🙂

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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    1. I read both of those after being on a long waitlist at library, as they generated extensive interest, and I thoroughly agree with your comments. Hannah’s especially, for those of us who remember such a tumultuous time period plus had older friends and family who served.

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    2. I always think that it must be hard for y’all to keep up with Reader’s Choice in midst of all the rest of the holiday hullabaloo. It falls smack in the middle of the week this year so that makes it a little bit awkward too.

      I’ve never read anything by Kristin Hannah but I did hear quite a buzz about that book. I found Shelterwood emotionally compelling. Lisa Wingate is good at that! Good luck, Cheryl!

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      1. Thanks, Kav! The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is amazing too. You’ll have to give her a try sometime!

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  10. I think you should choose your own RC schedule which suits you the best in keeping things as stress free as possible.

    I have two notable books: What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson was such a compelling mystery and beautifully penned. Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright is a close second. I often wonder how she takes something spooky and has a plausible plot that explains the situation so well. She is one of my favorite authors, but this is definitely one of her best!

    i have not read Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer but my library does have it only in audio. I’m just starting to warm up to audio but I have to remember to download them before taking a trip. Thus, no audio was enjoyed over Thanksgiving. 😔

    Thanks you for all you do to promote Christian Fiction! In case i miss the chance, I’d like to wish you and yours a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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    1. But…but…but that means I have to make my own decision! Bwahaha!

      Yes, I agree about What Happens Next — that was a gripping mystery. And you’re right, Jaime Jo Wright is genius at what she does! Love her books too.

      Well, the audio for this book is really well done, but in the meantime I’ll put you in the draw too. Good luck, Perrianne!

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  11. December 1! This year is whizzing by! I vote for the last week of 2024 and the first week of 2025 for Reader’s Choice. Good for you not rushing through this month of reflection! I am going to my Wisconsin daughter’s for Christmas. Thankful to have direct flights instead of changing airports. With my husband’s passing and my relocating, I haven’t been a reader this year. I am in the middle of a book I ordered from the library; book one (On Moonberry Lake by new author Holly Varni) because I won book 2 in the series here. So, thank you for my return to stories. I have enjoyed Tricia Goyer’s writings and would like to be entered for a print copy of Trust the Stars. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House kathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. You’ll be in for a snowy Christmas, Kathleen! It’s been a year of change for you, glad that books can lighten your life a bit. I just checked my library and they have On Moonberry Lake! They’re not identifying Christian Fiction any more so it’s hard to spot new books in their catalogue. I’ll have to start searching by title every so often to see what’s new. Good luck!

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  12. I’ve read a lot of books this year that I’ve really enjoyed for various reasons. Some had deep truths, others were just plain fun, and others somewhere inbetween. One that really made an impression was A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander.

    It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book by Tricia Goyer. Thanks for making me aware of Trust the Stars.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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  14. It’s such fun seeing everyone’s choices of books that they loved this year! Two of my favorites were Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes and The Seamstress of Arcadie by Laura Frantz. I don’t remember hearing much about Trust the Stars, but if you recommend it, that’s good enough for me, Kav!

    I’m good for Reader’s Choice weeks whenever works best for you.

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Trust the Stars is definitely worth the read, funny how it didn’t make a splash — smaller publisher, maybe that’s why? I need to read your faves. Thanks for the suggestions. Good luck, Winnie!

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  15. That cover is GORGEOUS!!!!! I feel like I’ve read one of Tricia’s books, but I can’t remember which one!

    My notable read of the year would probably be Shattered Resistance by Madisyn Carlin. That book made me laugh. And cry. And want to throw my phone across the room. And mail the author about 100 paper skunks. Madi PERFECTLY balances writing a deep story that discusses lots of heavy topics while throwing in enough levity to keep her books from becoming too dark. Also, the sibling relationships in that book … *squeals* SO, SO GOOD!!!!! The themes in this book are so beautifully explored. And the characters!!!!!!! Madi is the BEST at writing characters. Marcus is my favorite; he needs lots of hugs. You NEED to read the series!!!!!!!!

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  17. My notable book of the year is This Is Where It Ends. I cried reading it. It was so moving and powerful. Others worth mention is More Than We Remember and Shaped by the Waves both by Christia Suzanne Nelson.

    i have heard a lot of good about the tricia Goyer one! Thnx Kav! sarahdar0801ATgmailDOTcom

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  18. This past year I have really been into reading suspense. I discovered Robin Patchen, and really enjoy her writing. My notable books were her series, The Wright Heroes of Maine. They were sooo good, and she does a wonderful job of threading faith into her books.

    I like the idea of doing RC the first two weeks in January as December can get rather crazy. But Kav, you put so much into RC to make it wonderful, so please do what’s best for you. ❤️

    I have had Trust the Stars on my wish list. Reading how much you it touched your heart makes it even more desirable to read. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book.

    Alison Boss
    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I have had Robin Patchen on my radar but haven’t read anything by her yet. You convinced me to put her name on my ‘must try’ authors list for 2025. I’m leaning towards RC in January too — December is already so crazy that even forgot to do my ‘Hello December’ post which I do the first of the month. Will have to catch that up next week. Oy! Good luck, Alison!

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  19. My vote for RC is January after all the busyness of the Christmas season….and this year for me is BUSY! But like others have said, you do what’s best for you Kav 🙂

    As for the most notable book this year….good golly gumdrops, that’s too hard of a question because I’ve read so many good ones!! Looking over my Goodreads books for 2024, I have two that stand out above all the others: He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox (made me cry so hard) & The Divine Proverb of Strusel by Sara Brunsvold.

    Tricia Goyer is a new-to-me author, so it would be fun to “discover” her writing (win or lose I’m putting this on my to-read list)!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I know — it’s such a hard question that I’m astounded so many avid readers can answer it in a nan-second. I haven’t read He Should Have Told the Bees yet though it’s been on my wishlist for awhile now. Did read and love The Divine Proverb of Streusel though and totally agree — definitely a notable book. Good luck, Trixi!

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  20. I know I’ve heard of Tricia Goyer, but I don’t know if I’ve ever read one of her books. That book sounds like a great read! 🙂

    I thought my most memorable book this year was Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer, but after looking up when I read it, I discovered it was last December, not this year.

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    1. She’s largely known for her Amish Fiction though she’s written in other genres as well. This is my favourite of hers so far. And yes, I’m loving Karen Witemeyer’s fairy tale retelling series. Can’t wait for the new one coming out this month. Good luck, Bridget!

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  21. I don’t mind waiting til January.
    Two of my most notable books were:

    Summerlin Groves by Elizabeth Camden

    Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer

    hard to choose!
    I read Tricia’s book on Net Galley and woukd welcome a print copy. I love her historicals.
    paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Eeeep!!! So glad you mentioned Summerlin Groves. I have that one on order along with Christmas in the Castle Library and it’s driving me crazy because they haven’t shipped yet. Argh — the glorious anticipation! Good luck, Paula!

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  23. A few standouts for me this year: Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke, The One with the Kiss Cam by Cindy Steel, Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle, A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventures by Angela Bell. Can’t pick a favorite!

    Trust the Stars has been on my radar for awhile. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! Jolene – iwant2save34 at gmail dot com

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  24. I have several favorites this year but my favorites that had phenomenal spiritual threads which were standouts for me were Nancy Mehl’s Cold Threat, Pepper Basham’s Hope Like Wildflowers, Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle, and Christmas in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell.

    I read a NetGalley copy of Trust the Stars and loved it. Would love to win a copy for my keeper shelf. That cover is gorgeous!

    melmo2610ATgmailDOTcom

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  25. Notable read that comes out in 2025, Rachel Grow Law’s Heart of Snow. Definitely look it up! I read an ARC and I need it in print asap!

    Blessedmommy3x AT gmail DOT com, this book sounds great!

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