Conversations with Kav – Library Haul and What are we Reading? + Giveaway

I love my new library! It’s smaller than my previous branch but it’s packed with my kind of books! There’s even been a Christian Fiction novel in the end cap displays every time I’ve been there! And I tend go a couple of times a week. Eeeep! I actually picked one up on a whim today. Came home with a nice stash of CF, cozy mysteries and Christmas craft books this time ’round.

Since I’m close to finishing my current read (more about that later), I thought it would be fun to have you help me choose my next read from my recent library haul. I’m going to give you the first line of each book and you let me know which one interests you the most. The first line with the must fanfare will be the next book I read. And to make things interesting, I’m not going to include the author or the title of the book. 🙂

Which library book should I read next?

  1. “If I were a character in a novel, this is what the author would write.”
  2. “The air in the spectator area of Brownsburg High’s swimming pool is nothing short of heavy, but there’s safety in the thickness.”
  3. “For the most part, her days were the same as before.”
  4. “Gracie loved Mona with every beat of her heart, but the occasional moment arose when she wanted nothing more than to smack her beloved sister in the face with a Bavarian cream pie.”
  5. “The weather is miserable, especially for the middle of October.”
  6. “She should have known it was too good to be true.”

Let me know in the comments which first line piques your interest the most, I’ll tally the results at the end of the day and the most popular pick will become my read. And thank you for helping me choose!

What are you reading?

One of my favourite things about doing the Bingo entry tallies is seeing what everyone is reading. I always get some great recommendations that I add to my wishlist. Books and authors I’ve never heard of before and I get absolutely giddy excited! 🙂 Oh — and if you have sent me a bingo notification in the last few days, I’ve seen the emails, just haven’t tallied them into my little book so I haven’t replied to your email. That’s a task for tomorrow afternoon so stay tuned.

Anyway – periodically I sooooo enjoy doing this little ‘what are we reading?’ day where we simply share the title and author of the book we are currently reading. And then share a wee bit how you are feeling about the read so far.

Share in a comment (and don’t forget to include the # of the first sentence of the next book I should read) and you’ll be entered in the draw for:

This is my Current Read

So atmospheric! The perfect autumnal read. I am half way through and I am so befuddled and intrigued. A house full of secrets and a heroine who may or may not be in peril? Sooooo mysterious! A little bit creepy, but not over the top. Gothic vibes all the way in the style of Phyllis A Whitney, Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt from back in the day. Such a thrilling read!

Now it’s your turn. Let’s get the conversation started!

77 thoughts on “Conversations with Kav – Library Haul and What are we Reading? + Giveaway”

    1. I’ve never heard of that book so I checked it out on GR – one of the reviews said the ending was depressing. 😦 Not my kind of story at all though it seems to be a popular book club pick? That’s why I haven’t joined a local book club where I am now. I was so excited about it and then I got a look at their lineup for the fall — huge tomes of flowery prose and so heavy! Not my cup of tea at all. Good luck, Tammy!

      Like

      Reply

  3. Let’s go #4. I am currently reading Once Upon a Fall by Becky Monson. It’s the sixth book I’ve read for the Bingo, so halfway there if I’m going to get all twelve boxes filled. I have not read much contemporary romance until I got KU this year, so it’s definitely outside of my normal reads. It’s not a Christian book (which I read almost exclusively) but it is a kisses only romance. One bed trope, so keep that in mind. I am excited to look through other’s comments to find a few more fall reads!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’ve read six books for my Bingo card as well, though haven’t managed an actual bingo line. I have read the first two books in that falling for fall series but now I’m behind. I think they are up to #4? Maybe 5? They are releasing one a week which is hard to keep up with when you are buying the books like I am…well the audio books hopefully in most cases. Love all the fall colours on the covers though. Good luck, Rebecca!

      Like

      Reply

  5. I want to see what the next line is of #4.

    I’m just like you and love finding new authors and their books. I’m over here just reading away to my hearts content on my KU membership. So many authors on there are indie and ebook only so I don’t want to tease you with an ebook when you can’t get a copy of it, but the book I finished last night was excellent. Love Callie by Mia Merrybrook, second book in series. It has a cute cover on amazon, (Goodreads cover must have been original cover) Great banter and romcom humor to start, but also delves into serious topics with a depth of understanding that surprised me. I’ll be reading the 3rd book sometime this week. Great series.

    A book I read this week that you could try is The Society of Second Chances by Deborah Raney (Guideposts). She wrote it in 2020 during the time of covid so it didn’t get the exposure with all that was going on at the time. I had never heard of it, but it got reissued and I saw it on KU and jumped at it. So good! It’s going to be a continuity series with the next book out in 2027 but she can’t say who the next author is. I’ll be watching for it though. Such a good premise and not your everyday storyline.

    Looking forward to this week, I’ll be reading Sanctuary and Sabotage by Lori DeJong when it releases Tues. She was a new to me author this year and I enjoyed the first book in this series. Just the right amount of mystery/suspense without creeping me out, lol.

    Thanks for the fun Sunday convo with Kav! tracey14567 atgmail.com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. KU has been such a blessing to both readers and authors, it would seem. Not audio book listeners though. Bwahahaha! Though I can’t really complain when audible had that crazy sale and I still have books left to read from that. I haven’t read a book by Deborah Raney in an age. The Society of Second Chances sounds good. Interesting that it’s a Guidepost publication and a multi authored series. Guidepost seems to be quietly publishing inspirational fiction without a lot of fanfare. I need to pay more attention to them.

      I read Malice and Mistletoe by Lori Dejong last year – the first in this series, I think. Sanctuary and Sabotage was not on my radar at all so — eeeeeppp! Only in ebook format so far on the Canadian Amazon site. Good luck, Tracey!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I think you were the one who told me about Mistletoe and Malice. I was late to the party and didn’t read it until July. It’s by a smaller press Scrivenings Press, so maybe the paperback will be out later. I’ll be your advance reader 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  6. #4 – “Gracie loved Mona with every beat of her heart, but the occasional moment arose when she wanted nothing more than to smack her beloved sister in the face with a Bavarian cream pie.” Made me laugh and I bet it’s a fun book.  However, I’m drawn to #2 – “The air in the spectator area of Brownsburg High’s swimming pool is nothing short of heavy, but there’s safety in the thickness.”  It tends to make me think of mystery/suspense.  Why is there a need for safety?  Why is this person there?  What’s going to happen?  Since I love questions and having to read to find the answers, from this first line, this one would be the one I’d read first. 😊

    I just finished reading THE MEMORY HOUSE by Mary Alford and loved it.  The next book up is AFTER WE FALL by Deborah Clack.  Love her books so know I’m going to read it in no time flat.

    Thank you for the chance!

    Have a fabulous day!

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It is a funny opening sentence, isn’t it? I want to know what Mona did?! The second option does have an atmospheric air about it, doesn’t it? Yay! We book twinned with Memory House. I still don’t have much of a clue as to what is going on yet. Will be sitting down with it soon! Cue the bookish anticipation! Love the autumnal colours on After We Fall! Good luck, Kay!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. Oh but these all look like fun. I think I would love to start with #4

    I have just started a new book by a new author. She is our vet and really has found she likes to write. She is a vet by day and a new author by night. She has already started on book 2. Her name: M.S. West. It is a shape shifter book. Title: “Heir to the Pridelands”. My sister in law has read it (she is not a huge reader) and said she had trouble putting the book down.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. #4 is the popular choice so far. Love that your vet has written a book! Shape shifter paranormals aren’t on my radar at all, but I’m thinking this would be very unique given that the author is a vet. Happy Reading, Lori. Good luck!

      Like

      Reply

  8. #4 sounds highly entertaining! I’ve been trying out more classics lately, so I’m currently reading The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins (theoretically the first detective novel).

    rdalquist AT gmail DOT com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. I think I would choose either #1 or #4, but probably #4. 🙂 

    I’m currently reading A Deal with a Debutante by Chelsea Bobulski. I’m enjoying it so far! I have to keep looking up the correct pronunciation of the main character’s name though! Lol! My mind just can’t keep it straight!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. #3 piqued my interest the most, until I read “…smack her beloved sister in the face with a Bavarian cream pie.” After that line I’d pick #4! 

    I’m currently reading “Where the Fire Falls” by Karen Barnett – I’ve only read a couple of chapters so far, but am enjoying it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Good choices and Yay for your library haul! I’m drawn to #1.

    I finished Every Given Day early this morning and it was AMAZING! I read a Libby copy but have ordered it for my keeper shelf too.

    I’m now reading Once Upon a Fall, my next book in the Falling for Autumn series to lighten the mood, and so far it’s really cute.

    Thanks and Happy reading. Sandyavery at comcast dot net

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m looking forward to Every Given Day and good to know it’s a keeper shelf quality read, though not surprising given the author. And now, what a contract to a seasonal rom/com! Happy Reading, Sandy, good luck!

      Like

      Reply

  13. I would pick #4.
    I just started Secrets of the Desert Rose by Marilyn Turk. Dual time, WWII in Algiers and modern.
    North Africa 1942 “Was this the day she was going to die?”

    And Secrets in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell

    ”Melanie Tallebois blew out a long breath. The envelope she held in her hands could change everything— or nothing at all.”
    paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. What an interesting setting for a WWII story! I don’t think I’ve read anything set in North Africa. Great opening sentence too. And you’re reading two books at the same time?! Eeepppp, I’m super excited about Secrets in the Castle Library. Good luck, Paula!

      Like

      Reply

  14. I’m choosing #6 for your next read.  The first line sounds familiar but I can’t place it.

    Yay for a new library that is well stocked with CF, that is awesome!

    I am listening (and reading along) to The Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jaime Jo Wright (something I do to slow myself down for a favored author….a treat, too).

    I am also reading The Spykeeper of Marseille by Roseanna M White.  These two are probably on your radar but both are fantastic, but very different genres.

    The Memory House looks & sounds fantastic!  I am woefully behind on her novels.

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

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I know, I’m super excited. I can’t say it has a huge CF collection but the fact that they choose to regularly showcase the books is so heartening. There are a ton of churches in the area so maybe that’s why? I also find CF in the used book sale area too.

      I listened to The Bookshop of 99 Doors too — excellent narration. I’ve got the Spykeeper on hold at my library so it’s only a matter of time before I read it. I’m behind with Roseanna’s books — still have to the read the WWII one…Collector of Books? or something like that. Oh and her latest Guidepost book as well. Yikes, how quickly an author can slip out of a Keep Current list. 🙂 Good luck, Perrianne!

      Like

      Reply

      1. It sounds like you live in a very nice area and are really enjoying the neighborhood!

        I have to agree that the 99 Doors narration is excellent.  I need to get caught up with Jaime Jo, as she’s a read to zero author (and a favorite!).  Her next book is delayed until the end of October due to printing issues.  I should easily be caught up by then.

        I’ll probably never catch up completely with Roseanna because I don’t care for fantasy.  But her WW II novels are fabulous!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Re Roseanna M. White’s fantasy novels. I want to give them a try but hoping my library will get them in. Oddly enough the system has the second book in the catalogue but not the first! And fantasy novels really have to be read in order. I’ll have to see if they’ll order in the first one. Interesting they have the second because these are indie books and they don’t usually carry them.

        Like

  15. Glad you’re enjoying your library, Kav! I vote for #4 🙂

    I’m reading In a Word, Yes by Kit Tosello. Have had lots going on and not making headway very fast but enjoying it so far. It has a strong faith thread in it so that’s neat to see. Small town vibes and a story with a writers group in it so that’s a draw for me too 🙂

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. In a Word, Yes, does sound good. I’d heard about it last Reader’s Choice Week but haven’t pursued it as ardently as some other new releases. Might have to give that a second thought. Good luck, Cheryl!

      Like

      Reply

  16. I’m so jazzed about your library, you lucky duck! I got a special blessing from Mary Alford. I don’t enter many blog giveaways except yours, but The Memory House looked intriguing on The Suspense Sisters so I thought I’d give it a go. My comment would say “publishing” & freeze. I tried posting a comment on PC, phone, & tablet—same thing. I noticed also that no other comments were on there & should’ve been by then. So I emailed Mary to let her know I thought there was a glitch on her post. She thanked me & sent me an ebook of The Memory House! EEP! She fixed the glitch & I assume chose another winner. So sweet of her & what an unexpected surprise for me!

    I would also choose #4. I’m planning on starting Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston today. It’s been on my TBR ever since I 1st saw it online & fell in love with the title. I waited til “earn double kindle rewards day” to purchase it, though.

    Thanks, Kav! Happy Sunday Reading!

    dianalflowers at aol dot com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh, that was sweet of her. Have you read it yet? You’re going to love the Gothic vibes. Candy Apple Kisses sounds like the perfect Autumnal read and the cover is gorgeous. Happy Reading, Diane! And good luck!

      Like

      Reply

  18. Good afternoon Kav & all!

    The first line that catches my eye is #1: “If I were a character in a novel, this is what the author would write”. I would be intrigued to know what kind of character I was!! 🙂

    I’m currently reading “The Buggy Before the Horse” by Tricia Goyer, a Sugarcreek Amish Mystery series that Guidepost puts out. I found the physical book at my library in the “New Fiction” section & knew I had to read it….plus it fits one of the Bingo squares! And then I went to Amazon and discovered that this series (plus more) on available on Kindle Unlimited….that’s a huge win/win in my book. Looks like each book is written by different authors such as Nancy Mehl, Elizabeth Ludwig and Amy Lillard to name a few. I’m going to have fun reading these!!

    So far I am loving this book. Tricia is a new-to-me author and she’s has made me feel part of the story from the first page. I wished Sugarcreek was a real Amish town because I would surely visit it 🙂

    The Mary Alford book you’re reading sounds really good….I haven’t read one by her in a long time! I’ll have to see if my library has it 🙂

    Great conversation today….can’t wait to see what book we’ve picked out for you to read next!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. That’s a great opening sentience as well, though it looks like #4 has the most votes so far. Interestingly both books are rom/coms. I just looked up The Buggy Before the Horse and there’s a lot of big name authors who wrote that series — Nancy Mehl, Elizabeth Ludwig, Amy Lillard and of course Tricia Goyer. They were written ten years ago so interesting that you found your copy in the New Fiction section of your library. Must mean that they actually added a donated book to their collection rather than just put it in a used book sale. That’s exciting! I just discovered a huge used book store fairly close to me, two neighbourhoods over, and I’m hoping I might be able to find some Guidepost books there. I’m thinking the books are written in such a way that you don’t have to read them in order? Happy Reading, Trixi and good luck!

        Like

  19. I’m going with number six while the rest of you wonder if she is going through with ruining an entirely good pie, lol. I was drawn to 4 first because of the “whimsicalness” (likely not a word) and length of the sentence. Choosing 6, is kind of a “how can anything more go wrong” lead in… I have just begun Lauraine Snelling’s Home to Green Creek book 3, Fair Are the Meadows, closing out this series. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse(at)gmail(dot)com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Bwahahaha! Can you believe I’ve only read one of Lauraine Snelling’s books?! Someday Home which is a contemporary women’s fiction so not are usual genre I’m thinking. I’ll have to check for her books at the library. Happy Reading, Kathleen and good luck!

      Like

      Reply

  20. I’d pick #3 for you to read next! There’s a story behind that sentence….

    I’m currently reading The Bodyguard’s Fall by Cindy Steel, which I won recently in a giveaway right here on the blog! It’s great! It’s got all the romance, lots of emotional/relationship development, and a stalker element that keeps everyone on their toes.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. You are the lone reader with your #3 choice. It’s almost as much fun finding out which opening sentences catch everyone’s attention as it is to see what everybody is reading! Eeeeppp for The Bodyguard’s Fall. You are reminding me that I need to get back into that series before I get even more behind. Happy Reading, Jolene and good luck!

      Like

      Reply

  21. Line 6 pulls one immediately and physically into the character’s head. Life has gotten in the way of reading recently, but I just opened Winning the Schoolmarm by Lacy Williams.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. #6. It sounds like it might be the beginning of a mystery. I seem to be in a mystery mood lately. I’m currently reading The Castle in the Glen by Rhys Bowen. It’s not Christian Fiction but I haven’t come across anything really objectionable. It’s rather unique with a mystery novel set in the main novel.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’ve been in such a mystery mood too! I start really craving mysteries in the autumn for some strange reason. Not that I don’t read them the rest of the year but I get super excited over them in the fall. I haven’t read anything by Rhys Bowen but I know she has a really popular historical mystery series. I like the look of this one since it seems to be a standalone and my library has a copy so I’m going to put a hold on it and give it a try. Good luck, Pam!

      Like

      Reply

  25. #4!

    I’m between books at the moment. I recently finished Lorri Dudley’s The Ballerina’s Bargain and I loved it! Then I read The Fae Dynasty duology by Victoria McCombs and am now about to start Throne of the Heavens by Connilyn Cossette (which I’ve been DYING to get my hands on since I finished the previous book in the series last year!😍)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. I have been genres hopping quite a bit recently, lol. Before the ones I mentioned, I’d just finished a couple contemporary romcoms, some time-travel and then a medieval novel I plucked off my sister’s shelf to read while I was staying with her😄 Next up (after my current read), I’m fixin’ to mount up for a couple westerns with Mary Connealy😉

        Like

  26. I’m voting for #4 also! I’m in the mood for a light-hearted book and this one sounds like it would be fun to read. I hope you’re letting us know what the books are! I’m reading an ARC of When Winter Came to Dunn Cottage by Joanna Davidson Politano.

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hmmm….I’ll have to figure out how to let you know what the books are and who placed in what order. Maybe in Saturdays winners announcement? How exciting that you get to read an ARC of When Winter Came to Dunn Cottage! Happy Reading, Winnie, and good luck!

      Like

      Reply

  27. I’m intrigued by #2, and especially love the descriptive language, I felt pulled right into the scene. I’m currently reading Once Upon a Fall by Becky Monson. Thanks Kav!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  29. I think I’m too late to influence your decision, but I would say #4!

    I just started reading The Brunswick by Callie Murray. It’s a recentCF release. I don’t remember if you reviewed it or not, or maybe I won it from you? I don’t think so…

    I am listening to a book called The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes. It’s not Christian fiction. I don’t think, but so far totally clean. I’m not sure where I ran across it, probably an ad on Facebook. Every once in a while, I will pick up some more popular fiction, and I often regret it, but so far this one is good. When I ran across it, I checked my library Libby app and they actually had it. So I decided I would give it a try.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. You’d be with the majority. lol I haven’t read The Brunswick but I remember it being mentioned during our last Reader’s Choice Week, I have heard about The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes — probably from online chatter, instagram for me. Good luck, Patty!

      Like

      Reply

  31. #4 is my pick for the first line–I really want to know why Gracie wants to hit Mona with a Bavarian cream pie! 😀

    My current read is In a Word, Yes by Kit Tosello. I’m not too far into it yet, but I’m enjoying the humor. 🙂

    bookgurl60 at gmail dot com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  33. 1 peaks my interest! I also like the one with October, but I would read that in October if it were me…. Also, please tell us what books these are from! Several caught my eye, and I’m interested in possibly reading several of these…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’ll post the first lines and titles on Saturday’s blog in order of popularity so you can see which books I have waiting, in an orderly line up now, on my TBR shelf. 🙂 Good luck, Melmo!

      Like

      Reply

  34. I’m going to with #2. The wording is mysterious and intriguing

    I’m also reading the Memory House by Mary Alford! I just started it, and it is quite eerily mysterious, but not creepy… yet??? 😬 Mary Alford is one of my favorite suspense writers. She definitely knows how to draw you in and keep you on the edge of your seat!

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

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment