Conversations With Kav – Flood Books + Giveaway

What is a flood book, you might be wondering? If you assumed books with a flood theme like Dana Mentink’s ‘Raging Waters’ you’d be wrong. (Though that is a wonderful read and worthy of being somebody’s flood book.)

So, what exactly is a Flood Book?

I first heard the term waaaayyy back in my school librarian days when I was reading books on storytelling and kid’s lit collections by children’s librarian extraordinaire, Caroline Feller Bauer. I think she might have coined the phrase with the help of her daughter.

Basically, a flood book is an extra book you bring with you in case you are out and about and – horrors – finish the book you are currently reading before you can get home to grab another one. Like what happens if you find yourself confronted by an unexpected delay – trapped in an elevator, stuck in traffic, on the wrong side of a flood that blocks you from your home? A serious bibliophile will always be prepared with at least one (though not limited to only one) extra ‘flood book’ to ensure they will not fall short of reading material.

Clearly this idea started before ebooks (or audiobooks, for that matter) were a thing but the concept is dear to my heart and, frankly, I am feeling quite antsy without a single physical book available to me right now because of the move. Mind you, I do this with my audiobooks, making sure I have two books downloaded at all times, so that when one is finished I can immediately start the next one no matter where I am or what I’m doing.

The Conversation:

Anyway, since I’m an insatiably curious bibliophile I thought it would be fun to share what we are reading right now and then, for the giveaway, what book that you don’t own, would you like to add as your flood book. If your name is drawn, you’ll win your flood book title.

Here’s a glimpse into my current reading (listening) life:

Just starting the Manuscripts, Meows and Murder by Kathy Manors Penn. This is the 11th book in a super cute cozy mystery series ‘Dickens and Christie Mysteries’. Totally clean, Closed Door Romance (and quite romantical at times) about a fifty something American who moves to the Cotswolds with her loyal cat (Christie) and dog (Dickens). New friendships, found family and romance ensue over the course of the books as well as an alarming number of murders. Bwahahaha!

My flood book is A Very Merry Matchup by Becca Kinzer – getting a start on my Christmas in July reading…listening. 🙂

The Giveaway Details:

In a comment (or in an email to me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca) let me know the title and author of the book you are reading and any thoughts you’d like to share about it

AND THEN *IMPORTANT*

add the title and author (Christian Fiction, Closed Door only please) of a book you would like to win as your ‘flood book’. Book must already be released.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Wednesday afternoon June 24 2026

49 thoughts on “Conversations With Kav – Flood Books + Giveaway”

  1. I bring a flood book with me if it’s a part of the same series that I’m reading, but if I’m reading the last book of the series I don’t. I get the worst book hangovers that sometimes take weeks to pass haha! I’ve found switching genres, especially reading a nonfiction after a fiction help.

    I am currently reading Critical Witness by Tara Grace Ericson. I actually was a beta reader for the first few chapters of the book years ago when she was just starting to write it. I never got to know what happened in the book. When I saw it on KU, I knew I had to read it!

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    1. Ha, love that term book hangover, some books/series are like that for sure. How neat that you were an early beta reader for that book. I had no idea that authors had beta readers at that early stage of their writing. Don’t forget to enter the title of a book you’d like to win in the giveaway, Rebecca.

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      1. Now that you say it, I was probably an alpha reader haha! She wanted someone to read just a few chapters to see if the flow made sense before she continue writing. The storyline was so intriguing that I’ve thought about the story on a regular basis.

        Ahh, yes, for the giveaway. Gold Digger by Skylar J. Kent!

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      2. Gold Digger sounds interesting — angsty and different from what I usually read and I like marriage of convenience / chronic illness aspect to the story. Good luck, Rebecca!

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  2. I’m currently reading AMBUSHED IN YOSEMITE by Kellie VanHorn.  The book I would LOVE the opportunity to read and wished was my book flood is SCENT OF HOPE by Susan May Warren.  How can you go wrong with a book that contains romantic suspense AND a K-9! 

    Thank you so much for the amazing chance to win a copy!

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. Ooohhh, looks like you are getting a sneak peek at an July LIS. Sounds really good. And Scent of Hope sounds like a familiar refrain from you ever since it cropped up in the last Reader’s Choice Week. I get the feeling you really want to read it. 🙂 The mix of Suspense and K-9 is definitely appealing. Good luck, Kay!

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  3. Good Sunday morning! I have never heard the term “flood book”, but unbeknownst to me I was already adhering to the phrase philosophy 🙂

    Last year I read a few random books in the Jonathon Island series created by Susan Warren. This year I started reading the season 2 books. Which piqued my interest about a few characters backstory, so back I went to read Meet Me at the Fudge Shop by Rachel Russel and Lindsay Harrel. It’s the highest rated book in season one and I’m starting to wonder why I skipped it last year. Maybe because the old cover was not as good? the new covers are so much better! I’m halfway through and its very good. I know they’ll get an HEA but I’m not sure how they’ll get there. Always fun to try and figure that out.

    The book I’d love to be my flood book is The Bachelor Spy by Pepper Basham. It’s already out in the ebook format.

    I hope you are starting to see the light at the end of the moving tunnel. Praying all goes well in this last 10 day push!

    Thanks for the giveaway Kav! tracey14567 atgmail.com

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    1. I’ve wondered about that Jonathan Island series and just noticed a awhile ago that they are on a season two now. Good to know they can be read out of order. I’ve earmarked a few of them as possibilities. I hadn’t realized they’d changed cover art. I do like the one I see on GR now. I’ll have to take a more studied look at that series once I’m moved and settled.

      Wow, The Bachelor Spy is already out in ebook format?! That’s more than a week earlier than the print and audible. There has to be a marketing strategy there but I can’t figure it out. Good luck, Tracey!

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  4. I am reading an older Tyndale book by Catherine Palmer. It is a Regency – The Bachelor’s Bargain. So many choices for a “flood book”, but can’t go wrong with a Lynn Austin – A Woman’s Place. Easier said than done but pace yourself with the upcoming move!

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    1. I have quite a few Regencies on my audible TBR. I’ll be getting to them soon, I think. Just checked my library and they have a few Catherine Palmer novels so I’ll be checking them out later. And yes, I need to pace myself…pace my panicking, that is. 🙂 Good luck, CC!

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  5. I wrote a nice, newsy comment & it wouldn’t post. So this will be a quicky. 😞 I just finished The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town by Naomi Musch. I enjoyed the premise about a young lady running away & joining the circus, but felt the romance was a bit rushed.

    For my flood book I’d choose Shortbread in the Highlands by Robin Jones Gunn which releases Tues. I have enjoyed this entire series!

    Thanks for the giveaway, Kav! dianalflowers at aol dot com

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    1. Grrrr to WP not letting you chat! A few of you have mentioned The Girl From Tomorrow’s Town recently and I am intrigued. I like the idea of a circus setting. Shortbread in the Highlands has caught my fancy too and I need a book set in Scotland for a reading challenge. Good luck, Diane!

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  6. I’ve been reading several KU books by Shanna Hatfield…..easy, relaxing reads. For my Flood Book I would like to win The Bachelor Spy by Pepper Basham. Thanks Kav

    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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    1. I haven’t read much of Shanna Hatfield but I know a number of readers who love her books so I guess I should check her out more thoroughly. I’m super excited for The Bachelor Spy as well. Eeeeep. Good luck, Jackie!

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  7. Good Morning! I’m currently reading The Highland Heist in great anticipation of … The Bachelor Spy, for my flood book. I always bring my kindle when I travel and have multiple books downloaded so I can go on to the next one when I finish a book.
    Have a great day! Sandyavery at comcast dot net

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    1. I read The Highland Heist recently too for the same reason. The Bachelor Soy is certainly turning out to be a highly anticipated release among Best Readers 🙂 Good luck, Sandy!

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  8. I’m doing a ton of business traveling all this week, so at the moment it’s audio books for me too! I don’t know what I’ll do yet when I finish The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer (her first novel, writtten as a teen in the 1920’s); I’ve been searching Libby for more audio books, but so many I want are already checked out.

    The Bells Tolls at Traeger Hall by Jaime Jo Wright would be an amazing flood book!

    rdalquist AT gmail DOT com

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    1. Audio books are perfect for travelling. I haven never been able to get into a Georgette Heyer book and I know she’s a classic and so many like-minded readers enjoy her books. Had no idea she started her career as a teen in the 1920s! Do you have access to Hoopla through your library? I find they have more of an audiobook selection than Libby – at least what’s available at my library. Excellent flood book choice, Rachael. Good luck!

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  9. This is my first time hearing the term “flood book”, but I have been practicing the concept for years! My husband thinks its weird that I have to take two books with me, but it makes sense to me! I’m currently reading The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde and it’s very good so far! The flood book I would choose would be Twenty Something Else by Stephanie Mack. It just came out earlier this month. Happy reading!

    Jolene – iwant2save34 at gmail dot com

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    1. Yes, it’s a self-preservation tactic for readers everywhere! Oh, the abject horror of finding yourself booklets at any given time! Ohhh, Jenelle Hovde – I loved No Stone Unturned. Sounds like you must be on her street team for The Light of Stars. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the read. I’ve heard great things about Twenty Something Else too. Good luck, Jolene!

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  10. Kav, Thank you for introducing me to the “flood book” concept. I’m a one book at a time girl. I pack “extra” when I’m house sitting.

    The Highland Heist – Pepper Basham

    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

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      1. This week I’m taking Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson to read. It has 1248 pages. Takes me a bit more than one sitting for a novel this size. 🙄

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      2. Oy, Caryl, I could not read a book that long! I couldn’t even hold up the book for any length of time in order to read it. I hear lots about Brandon Sanderson but I’m just not into tomes. 400 pages is usually the most I want to read. Takes care of the need for a flood book, though! lol Happy Reading!

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  11. I’ve never heard the term “flood book” before, but I always have to have some extra reading material “just in case.” I’m reading an ARC of The Spy Keeper of Marseille by Roseanna M. White. It’s a riveting mix of history and fiction–which Roseanna is known for. It releases in a couple of weeks.

    For my flood book I’ll choose The Duke’s Bargain by Megan Walker.

    Thanks for the interesting conversation, Kav, and good luck on your move! Praying that things go well!

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Roseanna M. White is such an incredible author. Her research skills are so appreciated. I’m guessing The Spy Keeper of Marseille is a sneak peek into our Summer Reader’s Choice Week options! Love Megan Walker’s books as well, but I haven’t read enough of them! Good luck, Winnie!

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  12. I’m currently reading Close to You by Kara Isaac. Struggling to get into it- the main characters are being mean to each other. Trying to hold out for the turning point…

    I would love Under the Scottish Sky by Amy Coburn Crawford for my flood book- it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling in 18th century Scotland!

    Thanks Kav!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. Writing combative hero and heroine scenarios are tricky to get right I think. The reader wants the tension of the enemies to more trope but we need to like the characters too and be able to see them together in the future in order to be invested. And I loved Under the Scottish Sky! Reach choice for a flood book. Good luck, Heidi!

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  13. I am reading/listening to Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon right now. I found it on the Libby app from my local library. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but maybe it was just a different narrator, and it took a few chapters to get used to her. Now that I am a few chapters in, I am starting to enjoy it!

    I haven’t read the first book in the series yet, Hearts in Circulation yet, so that would be my flood book.

    I was not familiar with that term before this post!

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  14. I also just finished The Spykeeper of Marseille by Roseanna White. Another winner. Now starting The Bachelor Spy by Pepper Basham.
    For my flood book I will choose A Scattering of Light by LoriBenton.

    paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom

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  15. I’m between books and about to start The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham, so I can’t say how I like it yet. But I’m guessing it’ll be a lot! A flood book I’d love to have is Of One Tongue by Willow Dressel🤩

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  16. Kav, I’m another one who hadn’t heard of flood books before. Thanks for enlightening me! 🙂

    I’ve just started reading Melissa Ferguson’s newest book Without a Clue, and for my flood book, I’d choose Lori Benton’s new book A Scattering of Light. Thanks for another fun giveaway!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  17. Kav, I’ve had flood books for years but I just didn’t know what they were! I’m finishing up the fantastic “The Eyes of River” by Cindy K. Sproles, and my flood book would be Mrs. Lincoln’s Sisters by Jennifer Chiaverini. I love Chiaverini’s Elm Creek Quilters series but this book is historical fiction featuring fellow Kentuckian Mary Todd Lincoln.
    Connie
    cps1950ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Bwahahaha — a dedicated reader always has to be prepared no matter what we call this extra books we lug around. Also, great cardio workouts too! Lots of rich Kentucky storytelling in historical fiction it seems. Good luck, Connie!

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  18. I’ve never heard the term Flood Book, but I definitely always take one! I’m currently reading The Girl Upstairs by Jessica Patch. My flood book would be Don’t Upstage the Body by Naomi Stephens. (Releases the 23rd, tomorrow! Hope that works!)

    manderley23 at gmail dot com

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    1. Ohhh, you are braving the chills and thrills of a Jessica Patch mystery! I haven’t been courageous enough yet but I have enjoyed her tamer LIS books. And yes, Don’t Upstage the Body works because it will be available by the time of the giveaway draw. Eeeep, I’ll be getting the audible edition downloaded tomorrow. Guess what I’ll be reading next?! Good luck, Kimmy!

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  20. I don’t know if I can refer this historical fiction as I have only begun reading it (16 pages in). I first couldn’t find anything about the author, then found a UK author with those initials but it didn’t seem to line up. Further sleuthing came up with this: “A. D. Bell is the pen name of bestselling author and novelist Kristin Harmel, who uses the pseudonym for her historical mystery, The Bookbinder’s Secret.” The book I continue to request is book 2 in series by Dottie: Indie Publisher ~ Australia. Read book 1 and I want to know what happens next in series! Carry Me Away (Blue Wren Shallows #2) by Dorothy Adamek – Crabapple House Publishing, November 5, 2019. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse(at)gmail(dot)com

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  21. Ohhh, I read the first book by Dorothy Adamek as well. That was quite a while ago. Good luck, Kathleen. And The Bookbinder’s Secret does sound intriguing. I’ll have to check my library for it.

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  22. I’m currently reading an ARc of the Spy Keeper of Marseille by Roseanne White. I often carry an extra book just in case I finish. I choose for my flood book Where We Belong by Kim Vogel Sawyer. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  23. I’ve never heard the term “flood book” before, but I’ve definitely brought a spare book with me when I leave the house, especially if I think I’ll finish my current read while I’m out (the horror of not having an extra)! When I travel I like to bring 2 – 4 extra books, even if it’s just an overnight thing, because I never know what I’ll feel like reading when I pack.🤪

    I’m currently reading “Don’t Upstage the Body” by Naomi Stephens, and my flood book pick would be “While Love Stirs” by Lorna Seilstad.

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    1. Ohhh, I love that your flood books have flood books when you go on a trip. 🙂 I so admire an organized bibliophile. Eeeep, I’m just about to start listening to Don’t Upstage the Body. Love that Lorna Seilstad series. Good luck, Sabrina!

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  24. I’m currently reading Part of Your World by Karen Witemeyer. I started reading it last week, but my week got busier than expected so I haven’t had much of a chance to sit down and read! I like the idea of giving your extra book a name! I always just referred to them as my extra book (or extra extra book if I bring two extras😜)! My chosen flood book would be Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem. 

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