Before we get started with the St. Valentine’s Day festivities, I have some great news! I can post reviews on Amazon again! I’ve been checking off and on over the past few months and suddenly, this week, it worked! Wonder if the bots heard me dissing them last week? 🙂 Anyway, that’s my good news…though I’m a bit peeved that they wouldn’t send me an email to say my community features had been reinstated. Lucky I kept checking!
I had fun searching my shelves and TBR pile for books with hearts on the cover or the word ‘love’ in the title for this week’s review lineup. It was harder than I thought it would be and I found more contemporary romances than historical which was interesting. So then I thought it would be even more fun to start the week off with…drumroll please….
BOOK LOVE TAG!
Tags are a Book Tube thing, where a booktuber creates a series of questions around a central theme and then tags other booktubers to participate by creating videos where they answer the questions. I discovered the Book Love Tag on Chautona Havig’s channel and thought I’d accept the tag challenge only do it on my blog.
Get ready to participate, ’cause if you answer one (or more) of the questions in a comment, I’ll enter you in a draw for a $10 Baker Book House Gift Card ’cause every reader’s Valentine’s Day should include new books, right?! So, here we go:
- Friendship Love – name a book that includes a loving friendship
- Sibling Love – name a book that features a strong sibling relationship
- Parental or Guardian Love – name a book that has a main character who is a parent or guardian.
- Pet Love – name a book that features a loyal pet or animal companion
- Romantic Love – name a book that contains a swoonworthy romantic plot
- Self-Love – name a book that includes the theme of self love (finding yourself, self acceptance, personal growth etc.)
- Divine Love – name a book with a strong faith thread featuring a character who comes to understand God’s love for them.
There were so many different books I could have suggested for each question but I tried to stick with the one that came to mind first — and discounted my most recent reads to make it a little more challenging. Here are my answers:
I know the prompt didn’t mean a book featuring a friends to more trope but the friendship between this hero and heroine is so delightful. Everyone should have a bestie like one of these guys!
I could have picked any of the books in Sarah M. Eden’s Jonquil Brothers series because…these brothers!!!!!! What a swoonworthy lot! And in this book, shy quiet Corbin is earnestly coached on how to attract a lady’s attention. The brotherly banter and shenanigans are priceless! And now I think I have to reread the whole series.
Nicole is a single mother with the most precociously adorable child! Nicole is well intentioned but a bit too intense and serious while her love interest is the exact opposite. It’s the way the author fits Nicole’s motherhood into the story so seamlessly that makes this one so memorable for me.
There is a wolf with a very unique relationship with the heroine…and he’s very, very, very loyal!
Maverick heroine. Brooding hero. Mystery and romance. Fainting couch essential. Romantical bliss!
This is a tough read — the beginning is brutal (it deals with domestic violence quite graphically) but Leah’s growth – her journey towards discovering her worth and her value as a child of God is phenomenal.
January’s faith journey is funny and tender and angsty. So true to life and inspiring.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
Now it’s your turn: What book would you pick for one (or more) of these categories? I’d love to add some more titles to my TBR list because…well, I don’t really have a good reason. There are too many titles on that list as it is, but, the more the merrier I say when it comes to books!
Leave a comment to be entered in the draw for a $10 e gift card with:
Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 15 2025.
Kav's Best Reads 
Divine Love: Robin Jones Gunn again 😉 she is one of my favorite authors to recommend for Valentines Day. The books are so beautiful because they are romances, but relationship with Jesus is most important!
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Is this you telling me I really need to read a Robin Jones Gunn book? 🙂 Good luck, Stephanie!
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Haha! Yep! You caught me!
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Yes to your Sibling, Romantic and Divine choices! And, yay! And you have given me some more titles to write in my TBR recommends book. Especially intrigued by Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister. Latisha Sexton’s name has come up quite a few times here and I haven’t read anything by her yet. Good luck, Tammy!
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Both Divine and Friendship Love: Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn. So good!
kathrynlvossATgmailDOTcom
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Just put that one on hold at my library. Good luck, Kathryn!
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Sibling love The little Amish Matchmaker by Linda Byler. Such a cute read.
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I just read this one this past Christmas. Good luck, Kim!
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I enjoyed Prelude for a Lord.
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
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It deserves a reread, I think and I need to look into her Regency spy series. Good luck, Caryl!
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So happy Amazon straightened things out with your reviews! Yay! How fun! I assume there’s no particular publishing date?
1) Friendship Love: RELENTLESS by Amy Caldwell (Features a strong friendship between the two main female characters, Oakleigh & Maeve)
2) Sibling Love: EVEN IF WE CRY by Terrie Todd (A wonderful story about a British teen & her 2 young siblings who board a ship for Canada as part of the WWII child evacuee program in 1940)
3) Parental Love: BITTER AND SWEET by Rhonda McKnight (Multigenerational story of a southern family & their heritage)
4) Pet Love: CHAOS (a retired military working dog heroine’s dad entrusts to her)
5) Romantic Love: ROCKY ROAD by Becky Wade (swoon-worthy fake romance)
6) Self-love: STAY WITH ME by Becky Wade (the heroine has an addiction she has to overcome)
7) Divine Love: LOWCOUNTRY LOST by T.I. Lowe
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It looks like my comment may have accidentally gone to the wrong place bc there’s no reply button. Where I posted my comment it didn’t say “reply” it said “comment”. So I did. Anyway I’m sorry if it’s in the wrong place & I forgot my email.
dianalflowers at aol dot com
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Kav, do you want me to repost my comment because I think it accidentally landed under Caryl’s? Then you can delete 1st post…
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No worries, I see it here so it’s all good. So — you’ve introduced me to a new author right off the bat — but it sounds like the Boundless series should be read in order and Relentless is book 3. Am I right? You’re reminding me to get back to Terrie Todd’s book. I’ve read three but I need to read more. And yes, to Bitter and Sweet perfect choice for Parental love.
WAIT! Who wrote Chaos? There are too many books with that title and none of them look right…in fact, some of them look very, very wrong. Bwahahaha! But it definitely sounds like a book I would be interested in. And yes, yes, yes to your last three. So many wonderful books out there! Good luck, Diane!
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Sorry, Chaos is written by Ronie Kendig. Out of my comfort zone read, but it was really good! And Amy Caldwell’s is a continuing series. I got a little lost with the characters in Relentless to start with bc I forgot how they were connected. A super good series to binge read!
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Chaos has the hero with the HUGE ears on the cover. Bwahahaha
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Thanks — just found out that Chaos is in audio format too. Woohoo! It does look good and it’s set in the Philippines which is an extra bonus. Love the noble, big eared hero on the cover. 🙂
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What a handsome hero! Even if he does need an ear job. lol At 1st I thought he was a German Shepherd, but he’s actually a Malinois.
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Two books come immediately to mind. The Journey by Verity A. Buchanan (which I just finished reading) definitely fits the sibling love category! The central focus of the story is the relationship between a group of siblings. Then there’s Lynn Austin’s All My Secrets, which I think would be a great choice for the parent/guardian love category, as it focuses on a mother, daughter and grandmother!
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All My Secrets is a perfect fit for the parent/guardian love category! The Journey sounds like an emotional, angsty kind of sibling journey. And it’s a fantasy as well! Good luck, Elly!
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Friendship Love – Shenandoah Sisters by Michael Phillips 2. Sibling Love – O Malley Series by Dee Henderson 3. Parental or Guardian Love – The Secret of the Rose Series by Michael Phillips 4. Pet Love – Holly Novels by C.C. Warrens 5. Romantic Love – Counted with the Stars – Connilyn Cossette 6. Self love – The Intervention Series by Terri Blackstock 7. Divine Love – Until we all Share Joy – Heather Wood
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Sounds like I had better check into Michael Phillips’ books — I’ve read one or two I think, but ages ago. And the O’Malleys is a wonderful sibling oriented series — found family too since they adopted each other. Good luck, Rebecca!
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That was a fun game! 😀
bookgurl60 at gmail dot com
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I’ve read most of your list and they are all great picks. Have never heard of Autumn Lyle before — All That Fills Us sounds like an emotional read — going on my never ending TBR list. Thanks! Good luck, Elizabeth!
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Friendship Love Kelly Irvin latest Amish Book which I am reading now………With All Her Heart.
jacsmi75 at gmail dot com
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Sibling Love Her Brother’s Keeper by Valerie Hansen.
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pet Love Guarding Her Christmas Secret by Jill Weatherholt
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Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense have so many great choices for the Pet Love category. Good luck, Jackie!
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Just finished reading THE NEXT DEADLY CHAPTER by V. M. Burns and loved the loving friendship between the “girls” of the Shady Acres Retirement Village.
The bond between foster kids and with their foster mother – THE TRIPLETS’ SUMMER ADVENTURE by Laurel Blount
3. Parental or Guardian Love – name a book that has a main character who is a parent or guardian.
A FAMILY FOR THE ORPHANS by Heidi Main
4. Pet Love – name a book that features a loyal pet or animal companion
A K-9 CHRISTMAS REUNION by Lisa Carter
5. Romantic Love – name a book that contains a swoonworthy romantic plot
FALLING IN LOVE ON SWEETWATER LANE by Belle Calhoune
6. Self-Love – name a book that includes the theme of self love (finding yourself, self acceptance, personal growth etc.)
KNOWING YOU by Tracie Peterson
7. Divine Love – name a book with a strong faith thread featuring a character who comes to understand God’s love for them.
COAL BLACK LIES by Cindy K. Sproles
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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That V. M. Burns Mystery Bookshop series is on my series to start this year list. Glad to hear you are enjoying it. Cozies are great at building friendships because they evolve over the length of the series. Love all the LI and LIS titles in your line up! And how did I miss that Belle Calhoune book? It was published two years ago! Gorgeous cover — looks perfect for a spring read and my library has a copy. Woohoo! I really need to read some Cindy K. Sproles. So many bookish friends lover her! Good luck, Kay!
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YES – you NEED to read Cindy K. Sproles’ books! 🙂 I know – the ever growing TBR list, but isn’t it a grand problem to have. Better more books than time to read than so much time and no books to read.
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Turn to Me by Becky Wade for romance and pet love. She does great swoony romances:). Sandyavery at comcast dot net
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I always have to clear off my fainting couch before starting in on a Becky Wade. 🙂 Good luck, Sandy!
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Interesting project! Looking at some books I have recently read.
Sibling – A Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen might fit that group.
Romantic – Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer
Parental/Guardian – Amish Cooking Class The Celebration by Wanda Brunstetter
Friendship – Five Brides by Eva Marie Everson
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Yes, A Seaside Homecoming and all three books in that series are perfect for the sibling category. I have yet to read the latest book (December release) but I’m going to get to it soon. Ah, I got all excited about that Karen Witemeyer title but I just checked and it’s only available in ebook. 😦 Maybe some day it will release in print. I’ve read all her other books, I’m pretty sure. And it’s been years since I’ve read anything by Eva Marie Everson — must check her out again. Good luck, CC!
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So many fantastic books listed here! I’ve read some of them and must add some to my toppling TBR list. I love Sarah M. Eden’s books–yay for the Jonquil brothers! Thanks, everyone for all the suggestions! Thanks, Kav, for the fun discussion topic!
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I have a few Sarah M. Eden books to catch up on and really looking forward to her March release as well. Good luck, Winnie!
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I just finished the Parish Orphans series by Mimi Matthews. I don’t think they are Christian fiction but are clean reads. The stories of the 4 orphans were great examples of sibling/found family love. I really loved the whole series!
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I love found family/sibling stories! Good luck, Sandy!
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What a fun challenge!
Friendship: A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter
Sibling: A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden
Parental: Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade
rdalquist AT gmail DOT com
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Great choices, Rachael. I’ve read them all and wholeheartedly agree. Good luck!
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It’s crazy, I know I’ve read books that fit in all of those categories, but I can’t think of the titles! (the friendship is especially annoying since I read one recently…) Here’s what I could think of though. 🙂
Sibling Love – If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer
Parental or Guardian Love – Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander
Pet Love – Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham
Self-Love – Finding Mercy by Michael Landon Jr. (I think, but it has been a while since I’ve read it)
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Funny how we can have a brain freeze when it comes to questions like these. I had no idea that Michael Landon Jr. wrote a book! I’m gobsmacked! Good luck, Sabrina!
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Kav, I just finished reading Laura Frantz’s new release The Indigo Heiress and it fits sibling love beautifully. Of course, it fits romantic love too 🙂
ckbarker at gmail dot com
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Ooohhh — I’m excited for that one. And I love a good sibling relationship in a story. Good luck, Cheryl!
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Hey, hey look who joined the party?!?!
I love these “conversations with Kav” days, it gets the brain moving and adds so many interesting discussions 😊 Here’s my answers to today’s topic:
Friendship Love— (I have several)- The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady & The Tangled Tale of the Woolgathering Cast offs (Sharon Mondragon (I just love these ladies, they’re hilarious!). The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle (A very emotional & poignant story of an unlikely friendship). The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip (so, so, so, so good!). Anything by Christina Suzanne Nelson (especially my fist book by her ‘More Than We Remember’). And lastly (an oldie but goodie) Life After by Katie Ganshert (made me cry!)
Sibling Love—My mind went directly to Becky Wade’s Bradford Sister series (my first taste of her books): True to You, Falling for You, Sweet on You (my favorite of the three stories) You could also probably count these as Romantic Love 😊 Also, Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Three Sister Island series: On a Summer Tide, On a Coastal Breeze, At Lighthouse Point (great series!)
Parental Love— A book I recently read is The Cowboy’s Christmas Treasures by Jill Kemerer. There’s a lot of Love Inspired that have this theme!
Pet Love—My immediate thought was the Love Unleashed series by Dana Mentink: Sit, Stay, Love; Fetching Sweetness and Paws For Love.
Romantic Love—(how can you possibly choose just one??) Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong (loovveedd it!!). Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer(hilarious rom-com)
I can’t come up with any books for the last two categories but I’m loving everyone else’s choices & have added quite a few to my very long want-to-read list!
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
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Welcome to the party, Trixi! Oohhhh, yes to all your friendship picks. I have The Tangled Tale of the Woolgathering Castoffs on my TBR. Loved the first book in that series. And thanks for the reminder about Life After — what an emotional read! I’ve out it on my rereads list for this year.
The Bradford Sisters! How did I not think of them?! My mind immediately went to brothers, I guess. 🙂 The hero angle and all. lol And. yes, single parents are definitely a big theme for Love Inspired romances and Jill Kemerer writes them so well. I just finished Husband Auditions last week. Now I’m getting ready to star Hero Debut. Such a fun series. I also ended up adding to my very long TBR list from all the suggestions this week. Thanks for participating, Trixi. Good luck!
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I decided to try to answer these prompts as best as I could with some of the books I read last year. They’re not all perfect answers, but close enough, I think. 🙂
Friendship Love – The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen
Sibling Love – A Trail So Lonesome by Lacy Williams
Parental or Guardian Love – Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin
Pet Love – The Bounty Hunter’s Baby by Erica Vetsch
Self-Love – In the Arms of Immortals by Ginger Garrett
Divine Love – Design on a Crime by Ginny Aiken
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Embers in the London Sky is a great choice for the parental/guardian category! And you have me contemplating a read of The Dancing Master. I haven’t read it since it was first published. And you’ve introduces me to two new-to-me authors with your last two selections. Woohoo! Good luck, Bridget!
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Congrats on finally getting out of the Amazon jail! Amazon reviews are HUGE to authors.
Here’s my attempt at your list:
Friendship – Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd & The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner
Sibling – A Beautiful Disguise (The Imposters Series Book 1) – actually works for the entire series which is so good.
Parental/Guardian – Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham (April release)
Pet – Footprints on the Heart – Tabitha Bouldin
Romantic – Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoun
Self – The Hope of Christmas Past – Stephenia H. mcGee
Divine: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
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Oooohhhh, Heirlooms is a fantastic read and I could have forgotten the Imposters series for siblings? I did think of Roseanna M. White’s Shadows Over England series as a found family/sbilings kind of thing.
Eeeepppp! Have you read Some Like it Scot already?! And I have Falling for Alaska on my holds shelf at the library right now So excited to hear it’s going to be romantical. Not surprised though. 🙂 Mrs Kip…happy sigh, she could fit in practically all the categories. Thanks for playing the game, Perrianne. Good luck!
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I need to read the Shadows Over England series, Roseanna White is so good!
I’m about 3/4 the way through Some Like it Scot and I think you’re going to love it. Pepper Basham is just so versatile as an author. You would never think that she wrote Hope Like Wildflowers, too.
As for Mrs. Kip, she was nothing like I expected at all! Simply fabulous!
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I just finished Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh, her debut. The category for that would be Friends.
Siblings brings to mind two series: Three Sisters Island by Suzanne Woods Fisher and The Imposters by Roseanna White
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I loved the two series you mentioned, Paula. And now I have to check and see if I read Courtney Walsh’s debut! Good luck!
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And I got stuck again, couldn’t type.
Romantic Love : I just finished The Dreams We Knew by Rachel Scott McDaniel, super swoony second chance married couple.
another would be anything by Pepper Basham.
paulamarys49ATgmailDOT com
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ARgh — that was happening to me too, but only for a day. I’d refresh the page and multiple clip in the comment box before finally getting the flashing cursor. Gah! Yes, romance = Pepper Basham no matter what she writes! And I have Rachel Scott McDaniel on my to read list this year. I’ve only read one or two of her books so there’s quite a bit of catch up for me to do. Good luck again!
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