Conversations With Kav – What are you reading? + Giveaway

The Olympic Readathon Bingo stats have picked up over the last couple of week (heads up — one more week until the deadline – Feb 26 midnight EST) and I’ve discovered that I’m really getting a bibliophile thrill over what you’ve all been reading. It’s like a guilty pleasure every time I get an email. And you’re introducing me to new authors and titles I’ve never even heard of which is all kinds of fun! Yay for growing my Wishlist because…really, can a wish list ever be too long?! And sometimes I’m bouncing up and down because you’ve read a book that I have loved or you remind that oh, yeah, I have had that book on my TBR for a while now too!

I so appreciate random acts of book sharing! They often lead me to literary gems I likely would have passed over otherwise. I’m reading one of those right now – A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro by Heather Norman Smith. I don’t know who recommended it — whether it came out of a Bingo discussion or another conversation day or Reader’s Choice Week – but whoever you are -THANK YOU! This is the book I didn’t know I needed. And definitely one I wouldn’t have picked up on my own. Not a romance (gasp) at least, not yet anyway, but I’m so invested in these characters! And the plot and the setting….I’m just…enchanted!

So, today I thought it would be fun to share what we’re reading and I’ve added a giveaway twist so listen up:

The Giveaway:

  1. Share the title and author of the book you are reading right now in a comment below
  2. Include the title and author of another book that you don’t own but would love to add to your TBR. Book must already be available. If your name is drawn, that is the book you will win.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 28 2026.

Let’s talk!

72 thoughts on “Conversations With Kav – What are you reading? + Giveaway”

  1. Good morning, Kav! Hope it’s warming up for you some! We had 80° temps one day this week, but it’s cooled way down again. Crazy weather!

    I’m reading The Girl in Her by Sandra Kay Vosburgh. Most of it is set in Canada. No need to enter me as I have my sights set on new releases ATM. 👀 lol And I loved loved loved the book I just finished, The Bird of Bedford Manor! EEP!

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    1. Diane, I saw on Goodreads you were reading The Girl in Her, I read it last year and loved it, I gave it 5 stars. I need to look her books up again to see whatever else I can read of hers. So many good authors out there, but sometimes they get away from me in the avalanche of books to choose from, reader problems…

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      2. Tracey, I’m enjoying it immensely & Sandra is a new to me author. I thought of you when I saw the lighthouse on that lovely cover btw. lol

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    2. Warming up but crazy snow! I can’t believe you’ve already had that high a temp! I couldn’t handle your weather! You are made of sturdy stuff, Diane! And thanks for introducing me to another new-to-me author. The Girl in Her does sound intriguing and who can resist a Nova Scotia setting?

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      1. I’m made of sturdy stuff that just stays in the house when there’s inclement weather. Be it too hot or too cold. LOL! Yes! Perfect setting and intriguing characters!

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  2. Good morning Kav and Best Readers, it’s cold and rainy here in Va, can winter please be over!

    I finished A Brush with Danger this week making 4 books in the Mysteries of Blackberry Valley series (by Guideposts) I’ve read this month. There are 12 books out in the series so far, and I’ve read 9 of the 12. This one was by Beth Adams and featured an art galley cold case crime from 30 years before. Missing paintings are discovered in the walls when a cottage is being renovated. I really enjoyed it and the author comment at the end said it was based on a real crime. There are 7 authors in this series, New to me Laura Bradford started the series, she and Rosanna White are my 2 favorites in this series. Eight more books coming out this year and I’m happy about that. I’m thankful for KU because without that I’d never be spending $10 a book on a 20 book series.

    The book you’ve picked, a Simple Kindness in Flatsboro has been on my radar, but I haven’t delved too far into it. Kregel isn’t the best for promoting their books. Several authors I read publish with them so that’s the only way I get any info about Kregel. You really have to search it out. However, the intrepid reporter loves research, especially book research, haha.

    Heather Norman Smith is a new to me author and I’m always looking for a few of those for my monthly goal, so her book is my pick for today. Thanks Kav. tracey14567 at gmail.com

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    1. Eeeep! Guess what I found at my library? A Guideposts mystery! And it’s in paperback!!!! It’s the first book in the Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm series. Digging Up Secrets by Elizabeth Penney. I’m excited to dive in soon and hopeful that maybe my library will get more Guideposts mysteries too.

      Now that you mention it, Kregel books do always seem to lurk in the shadows. I’m so blessed to benefit from your intrepid reporter researching skills! 🙂 A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro is so unexpected and absolutely spellbinding. Good luck, Tracey!

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      1. The Cobble Hill Farm series is one of the few other series by Guideposts on kindle that I have earmarked to read. I think it would be right up your alley being about a Vet and solving mysteries. The Guideposts books are turning out to be a good fit for me in the mystery category.

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      2. Oh and by the way, the Cobble Hill series had ended last July with book 18, BUT Roseanna White has a new installment coming in June! I’m excided for that! She really excels in the mystery genre.

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  3. I’m just about done with Aflame by Roseanna White. Loving it!

    On my TBR pile – which is way too large – is My Merry Mistake by Courtney Walsh

    kathrynlvossATgmailDOTcom

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  5. Instead of one book, I’ll give you three – just finish, reading, next one up. I just finished reading AMISH COUNTRY HOMICIDE (LOVED IT). One I’m starting today, TANGLED PAST by Mary Alford. And the next book up will be RAGING WATERS by Dana Mentink.

    The book I’ve wanted to read and haven’t been able to get my hands on is TRACK OF COURAGE by Susan May Warren. An upcoming release I’m dying to read is FAITHFUL OF HEART by Tracie Peterson.

    It’s brrr here this morning (probably not as cold as here), but at least the sun is shining this morning. Facebook in their great wisdom has decided I can’t answer questions or respond to other’s post this morning, which is fine with me – means more reading time.

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. You’re on a nice reading streak, Kay! I’ve been seeing Mary Alford’s indie books popping up on my instagram feed a lot lately. I really enjoyed her Love Inspired Suspense books. Looks like I should check out her Indies. Woohoo — you have an early copy of Raging Water?! Definitely a book high on my must read as soon as it comes out list! Awesomesauce! I gave up on FB a few years ago. It never played nice with me. 😦 Enjoying your reading time. Good luck, Kay!

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  6. I’m regrettably between books at the moment, though the moment it comes in at the library, I will be reading The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz (though I should probably find something else to read in the meantime – that seems to speed up the process, especially if I start a series).

    I’d love to add The Haunting At Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright to my TBR!

    rdalquist AT gmail DOT com

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    1. Gasp! Between books?! I’ve never experienced that phenomenon! 🙂 Yay for your library getting Belle of Chatham in right away. Jaime Jo Wright is a masterful (and somewhat spooky) storyteller. Great choice. Good luck, Rachael!

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  7. I’m in the middle of reading. The Hunted Heir by Jayna Breigh (It’s her debut novel). It’s fun and quickly drew me in.

    I can’t help but share a few really good books I’ve read in a row. (That doesn’t happen often.) First

    A brilliant book by Melanie Dobson The Lost Story of Bella Via

    An Uncertain Road by Abby Downey (about female race car drivers soon after cars came about—(based on a real woman)

    Great legal thriller by Cara Putman—The Accused filled with twists and turns.

    I like how you have this – there’s always room to be put on my TBR Grin!

    Life Unwritten by T. I. Lowe Is one I’d like to read! She is a good writer.

    Hope you’re having a great day!

    Blessings

    Nora finding hope

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    1. I loved the Hunted Heir! I have my eye on her recent release which looks just as amazing!

      Bwahahaha! You are true bibliophile, Nora, why limit yourself to just one book recommendation when there are so many more clamouring to be highlighted? lol And right off the bat you tantalize me with an April release by Melanie Dobson. The Lost Story of Via Belle looks like my kind of read.

      Eeeeppppp — Abbey Downey is a new-to-me author and An Uncertain Road is available on audible so I went to check it out and — eeeeeepppp — it’s an audible plus selection so I get to listen to it for free! Thanks for that recommendation, Nora! I’ve had the first Secrets we Keep novel by Cara Putman on my TBR for ages! Guess I need to nudge it closer to the top. I think the legal aspect kind of scares me, but I’ve read her legal suspense books before and she does a great job of making everything understandable so I don’t know why I hesitate. I haven’t heard of Life Unwritten by T.I. Lowe but a ghost writer heroine has me all in. You might just have decided my next book purchase. Stay tuned! Good luck, Nora!

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      1. I hope you’re staying warm, in a cozy chair, with a good book and a hot drink. I’m still thinking about Melanie Dobson’s book. It’s the best!

        I’m thrilled to hear that Uncertain Road is on Audible. Hooray! I couldn’t wrap my mind around people racing the Model T cars and for a woman to do that. Oh, and the love story is sweet. This book by Cara Putman is filled with intrigue and surprises. Life Unwritten is one of the author’s older books. She has a new one coming out in March.

        I’m adding to my TBR list as I read everyone’s list. Grin! Thanks for all you do.

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  8. I think somewhere along the way I missed the The Olympic Readathon Bingo announcement, will have to go look it up…or did I see it and decide not to do it, LOL, I no longer know. I am currently reading Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman. A book I would like to read is A Weather Girl’s Guide to Love by Cassandra Joelle, she is an independent author, Christian fiction 🙂

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    1. The Olympic Readathon announcement was a month ago — mid January on a Conversation day. You could always take a look at the prompts and see if any of the books you’ve read over the last month match up. I love Vannetta Chapman’s mysteries! Cute pun-y title too. A Weather Girl’s Guide to Love sounds fun! Good luck, Cindy!

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  9. I’m actually between books at the moment, lol. I’m thinking of picking up Loving Liza Jane by Sharlene MacLaren next, though.
    As for one on my TBR that I’d LOVE to get my hands on, Glass Across the Sea by Sara Ella has me sooo excited!😍

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    1. Ooohhhh — Sharlene MacLaren is a blast from the past. I loved her River of Hope series – must get back to her books. Good choice for a next read. And eeeeppppppppp — you’ll never believe what I found on audible plus this week (which means free) – Glass Across the Sea!!!! I couldn’t believe it! There were a bunch of speculative fiction in my wishlist that I could access immediately for free. I have no idea why. Like does audible plus personalized what a member can receive for free or do they just randomly switch up the plus selections occasionally? I got Winter’s Maiden by Morgan L. Busse, Misshelved Magic by S.R. Crickard and Embargold by Rachelle Nelson as well. So, no excuses for me not to read speculative now! 🙂 Good luck, Elly!

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      1. I have no idea, lol, I’ve never used audible, but yay!🥳 My sister and I just recently got copies of both Winter’s Maiden and Winter’s Chill and are looking forward to reading that series. Did you see the cover reveal for book #3?!? Winter’s Dawn should be releasing in August. I got a copy of Embergold and that cover is STUNNING😍 I haven’t heard of Misshelved Magic, but will have to look it up!

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  10. I am reading a fun KU I found… More Than I Bargained For by Jessica Leigh Johnson. It is so delightful. I missed reading Roseanna White’s Christmas Book Flood and would love to read it. Thanks, Kav jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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  11. I, too, am reading Raging Waters by Dana Mentink. I got on her street team. Very tense and exciting. Next will be Last To Fall by Lynn Blackburn.
    A book that I would love to have is Christmas in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell. I read Love in the Castle Library and missed the first one.
    paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom.

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    1. Eeeeppp — you’re on a great suspense roll! Looking forward to both of those books by auto-buy authors! You definitely need to catch up with the castle romances! Ann Swindell is a must-read author for me now. Good luck, Paula!

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  12. Currently reading The Myth of Good Christian Parenting (nonfiction) and This Promised Land by Cathy Gohlke (fiction). I’d like to win Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn Cossette. Happy reading, Kav!

    Jolene – iwant2save34 at gmail dot com

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    1. Nice balance between fiction and nonfiction. I probably wouldn’t read non fiction other than devotionals and bible study books if I didn’t belong to a nonfiction book club at church. Good luck, Jolene!

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  13. Happy Sunday, Kav! Things look beautiful outside my window, but it’s actually quite breezy so a bit chilly to be outside. A perfect afternoon to curl up with a good book!

    I am reading A Flicker of Light by Katie Powner right now. After finishing this one, I think I will have read all of her books except her very first release. But I think I have that one on my shelf somewhere.

    A book on my Amazon wish list that I would love a copy of is The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt.

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    1. It’s bracing here too but sunny so I got a chilling surprise when I headed out for my walk this morning! 🙂 Isn’t it exciting when we discover a read-to-zero calibre author? I don’t think I’ve read a single Katie Powner yet. Good luck, Patty!

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      1. You should definitely pick up one of her books! I have passed them each on to my Mom and she has also loved them. I would recommend Where the Blue Sky Begins, or The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass.

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    2. Patty, I’ve read all of Katie Powner’s books now except the one you’re currently reading – A Flicker of Light. One of my reading goals is to finish her backlist so I’ll be reading it at some point this year 🙂 You’ll have to read her first one too (The Sowing Season.) It was a great read!

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  14. I am currently reading OBSCURITY (Pros and Cons Mysteries Book 5) by Christy Barritt. Such a great suspense series! A book I would love to add to my TBR is The Sisters of Sea View (On Devonshire Shores Book 1) by Julie Klassen. Thanks for the chance to win it, Kav!

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

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    1. I am so far behind with Christy Barritt’s books! She was on my first ever read-to-zero list and I failed miserably. 🙂 The Sisters of Sea View (and the whole series) is fantastic! Good luck, Alison!

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  15. I’m currently reading Love Undercover by Mandi Blake, the last book in this series which I’ve enjoyed. I’d love to read and have a copy of The Bird of Bedford Manor.
    Thanks! Sandyavery at comcast dot net.

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    1. Mandi Blake crops up on my internet wanderings often. I think I’ve only read one of her books, guess I should find some more! The Bird of Bedford Manor is an excellent choice to add to your TBR! Good luck, Sandy!

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  17. I’m almost finished with The Pastor’s Easter Pray by Tina Radcliffe. Her books are always charming and well-written, and this hero is swoon-worthy! A book I’m itching to read and would love to win is Home to Me by Sarah M. Eden. It’s book 8 in her Longing for Home series. I’ve read most of them, but this one just released.

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

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    1. I love Tina Radcliffe’s books. I wish her Love Inspired would be available on audible too. Some of the LIs but I haven’t seen hers yet. I haven’t read any of the Hope Springs series but I love Sarah M. Eden’s Regencies and Victorian novels. Good luck, Winnie!

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      2. I just asked on one of Sarah Eden’s Facebook sites and the consensus is that you should read the Hope Springs/Longing for Home books in order because they build on each other. I would at least read the first couple in order to get the characters and story line. I might need to go back and re-read those. LOL It’s been a long time since I read them. I think I read the first 2 or 3, then #5, and I didn’t have any trouble picking up with the story. I have some I need to catch up on. I think it’s kind of the same idea as the Jonquil brothers series. It’s best to read in order, but not entirely necessary. You might get some spoilers, though. I have a hard time keeping up with Sarah’s books–she’s a pretty prolific writer!

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  18. I just finished Sarah Sundin’s newest book Mists over the Channel Islands and haven’t started reading another book yet. I haven’t decided what I want to read next (so many options!), but am leaning toward Scars of the Revolution by Megan Soja. 🙂

    One book that has been on my radar but I don’t have yet is The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander

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  19. I’m currently reading “Counterfeit Love” by Crystal Caudill. I really enjoyed the prequel for this series (I read it for the Bingo), and am enjoying this one, too! She’s quickly becoming a favorite author! One book I’ve had on my TBR list that I don’t yet own is: “Tidewater Bride” by Laura Frantz 

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  20. I recently finished Ambush of the Heart by Mary Connealy and Texas Reclaimed by Sherry Shindelar. I’m currently reading The Maiden and the Mountain Man by Denise Farnsworth.
    I still want to read Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin. So many books and not enough time.

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    1. I’m behind with Mary Connealy’s books and I have no excuse — she’s one of the Christian Fiction authors my library keeps current with! I see that Texas Reclaimed is another Wild Hearts published book. That’s a publisher I want to look into more — so many of their books appeal to me! And they publish quite a bit. Sarah Sundin’s Embers is definitely a book twin kind of read. 🙂 Good luck, Lucy!

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  21. Yesterday I just finished Death By Dice, a cozy mystery by Staci Mauney and have already started A Light in the Window, the second in the Mitford series by Jan Karon. I read the entire series years ago and loved it. I don’t re-read many books because there are so many others I need to read (!) but decided last year to start a re-read of the series. They are definitely comfort reads for me so will throw one in every now and then 🙂 Kav, if I remember right, you’ve mentioned not reading the Mitford books yet? If not, you must give them a try. I think you would love them 🙂

    One book I’d love to add to my TBR stack is The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem. So much appeals to me about it – a story of sisters based on a real historical disaster-event in Yellowstone National Park. All of those things are right up my alley 🙂 Thanks as always for a fun giveaway!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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    1. Oooohhhh, you’re introduced me to a new cozy mystery series and author! I always think of you when the Mitford series comes to mind. Maybe this will be the year I’ll get to it. Especially since my church library has the complete series. I really have no excuse not to get started at least! 🙂 The Fault Between Us has an intriguing setting and plot. It’s on my list too. Good luck, Cheryl!

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  22. I’m currently reading The Cowboy’s Game by Cindy Steel- so fun! I’m wishing for The Duke’s Bargain by Megan Walker (out this May).

    Thanks Kav! Got lots of ideas from the comments!

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  23. I’m currently reading Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin. A book I’d love to add to my TBR is Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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  24. i absolutely loved that book!!! I’m glad you enjoyed it also.

    I’m currently reading Juliette Duncan’s, A Time to Treasure.

    A book I would like to read but don’t have is: Through Water and Stone by Karen Barnett. Thank-you!

    appletamoATyahooDOTca

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    1. Were you the one who put me on to A Simple Kindness in Flatboro? I finished it today and cried at the end. Just so full of feelings. 🙂 Through Water and Stone is on my 26 in 26 list so I’ll be adding it to my TBR sometime this year. Good luck, Tammy!

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      1. I may have said something about it, I’m not sure. You may have seen my review on it. I loved the small community feel and the depth of the situations, the giving nature of the MMC, etc. There was so much to that book!

        I do think someone else mentioned it here as well.

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  25. I am currently reading Stay With Me by Becky Wade for book club the first week in March.  I’m really looking forward to meeting Becky and discussing her book.  This has put The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz on a brief pause while I finish that.  I’d still love to read A Fierce Devotion by Laura Frantz.  I have to admit that I’m a complete flop at Bingo right now.  I’ll blame it on the fact that I’m working elections until early March.

    perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com

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  27. I am 3/4 through reading Book 2 in the Home to Green Creek series by Lauraine Snelling ~ At Morning’s Light. I read the first book, Land of Dreams, both coming from local library in new book section, Christian fiction. They were published in April and December of 2025 so I may have a wait for continuing books in the series. The stories are about Norwegian relatives following family to America in the late 1800s, settling in a boardinghouse in Iowa and their adventures. The new story I have wanted to read by a favorite author is The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse(at) gmail(dot)com

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  28. I’m reading The Redemption by MaryLu Tyndall in E-book and Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller on audio. One book I’d love to read, but don’t own is, Through Each Tomorrow by Gabrielle Meyer. Those Timeless Series books are so fascinating!

    It may be a lot of work, but is there a chance that you or the readers could share the titles of the BINGO books they have read when this challenge is over? I would love to see what book other people submitted.

    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

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    1. Wait…Not Exactly Mr Darcy is out in audio?! I read the paperback but still….Ohhh, that’s an idea — sharing what everybody has been reading. I can try to do that. Let me think on it. Good luck, Sylvia!

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