kavlovestoread

Conversations With Kav – Celebrating Indie Authors Day + Giveaway

It’s the fourth Sunday of the month and time for a new blog tradition – celebrating our independently published authors! I’m trying to read more indie books and have been thrilled to get all kinds of great recommendations from you guys so I thought it would be fun to set aside one day a month where we can chat about indie books as a way to support these hardworking, often overlooked authors.

Topics Up For Discussion

what we’re reading
new release alerts
recommended authors

Here’s a look at my Indie Reading in August

I didn’t read as many indie books this month as I planned, though I guess there’s a few days left in the month to catch up. Only two were on the priority list I made up at the beginning of the month – The Lumberjack From the Cabin Next Door and Let Sleeping Dogs Lie – the rest were whimsical mood reads after my audible sale blitz. 🙂

What I’m Reading Now:

Tracey put me onto this series and I ordered the first book quite a while ago but it’s been languishing on my TBR pile. I’ve been in a suspense-y mood, so I picked this one up today and started reading. I’m already shocked, might even be mildly traumatized depending on if what I think happened actually did happen. Yikes!

The Fall Series I’m Hoping to Read as the Books Release:

So far I’m on track and the audible edition for the third book releases the same time as the ebook and paperback editions so I’ll be able to keep up this week at least. (They mentioned that the audiobooks might not always be available on the release dates.) I’m enjoying the fall vibes / rom/com mix and looking forward to getting to the heart of all the romances. 🙂

These are the same authors who did the ‘Falling for Summer’ series a couple of years back. They’ve also collaborated on ‘The Christmas Escape’ series. I haven’t read any books in that series – have any of you? I’m thinking of targeting it for some of my holiday reading but I haven’t looked into it yet.

Let’s start the conversation:

And now it’s time for a chat. What indie books have you been reading this month? Already on your TBR just waiting to be noticed? New Indie Releases you are looking forward to? Share in the comments

AND LEAVE THE TITLE AND AUTHOR OF AN INDIE BOOK (CHRISTIAN FICTION OR CLEAN ROMMANCE) THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO OWN AND IF YOUR NAME IS DRAWN, THAT’S THE BOOK YOU WILL WIN.

Giveaway Opportunity:

US – paperback or ebook (check to make sure the book you choose has the edition you want, some seem to only be in ebook format.)

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible (if available) and also confirm that the book comes int he format you want

International – ebook if you have a US kindle account

You suggest an independently published Christian Fiction (or Clean Romance) already in print and leave the title and author in a comment and you will be entered in the giveaway. If your name comes up, then that’s the book you will win. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 29 2026.

August Giveaway – Week Four

I’m not sure if this is the conclusion to the Kitchen Witch series, but if so, it has a splendid wrap up. I really enjoy the magical world building, and the sense of found family in this series. Family ties as well – both good and bad – make for some intriguing dynamics. A truly perplexing mystery kept me guessing and now I am desperate for more witchy goodness so I’m hoping there will be more books to come.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:

SUNDAY

Conversations with Kav – a place for us to chat about bookish topics if anyone is so inclined. Sometimes there will be giveaways, sometimes there won’t. It will just depend on the topic of the day. Hope to see you there! Otherwise my inner book nerd and I will carry on by ourselves. Bwahaha!

Romancing Daphne

random retro read

As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster’s timid heart with dread. She hasn’t her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family’s enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne’s misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.

My Review:

published in 2017

This will go down ha an epic series in my ridiculously huge collection of Regency Romances. Eden has a talent for creating the kind of characters that are easy to relate to and cheer for and the Lancaster family are unforgettable. I particularly adore how much the ever brooding Duke of Kielder, our beloved Adam, appears in Daphne’s story. He’s forever hovering in the background and manipulating situations and it is hysterical! I practically squealed every time he showed up in a scene.

Don’t get me wrong, I love gentle Daphne and her tender romance with James. Their courtship is threatened by subterfuge and greed and watching these two work their way through it all kept me anxiously engaged on the outcome, even though I knew a happily ever after was a guarantee.

I read…listened…to this series all out of order and though ‘Romancing Daphne’ is the third book out of five, its my last visit with the Lancaster family…for now anyway. So, books can be read out of order though I’d recommend reading ‘Seeking Persephone’ first to get acquainted with the series….and Adam! 🙂

Dead Silence + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Political games can be deadly…

Elise Carmichael is a court sign language interpreter who reads lips all the time. As a widow with a young son who is deaf, lip reading is simply second nature, until the day she reads the lips of someone on the phone discussing an attempt to be made on a senator’s life—a senator who just happens to be her mother-in-law.

Before she can decide what she needs to do, she receives the information that her son is rushed to the ER and she must leave. Then she later sees the news report that her mother-in-law has been shot and killed.

But when she comes forward, her life, as well as her son’s life, may now be in the crosshairs of the assassin.

My Review:

published in 2024

This was an impulse buy made when I was craving a good suspense and this absolutely fit the bill. Intriguing and intense with a realistic look at the investigative side of crime, as seen through the eyes of a witness/victim.

Loved the unique perspective of a lip reading heroine and the details of raising a Deaf child in a hearing world. That paired with all the suspense elements made for an unputdownable read.

Tension mounts as Elise grows more desperate to uncover the truth. The FBI is very much leading the investigation but Elise is feisty and stubborn and conducts her own clandestine sleuthing. Lots of conflict and heart-in-throat moments ensue as the lethal combination of corruption and politics threaten her little family.

I listened to the audio book narrated by Pamela Klein who did a great job of drawing out the tension and creating emotionally charged scenes. A riveting listening experience.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Dead Silence, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 29 2026.

The Bachelor Spy + Giveaway

Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake’s life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1915 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?

My Review:

Well, I’m kind of gutted that it’s all over now though, as far as series conclusions go, this one is brilliant. All the action and intrigue we’ve come to expect from Freddie and Grace, only we’re getting Stephen’s story as well. And oh my goodness, that opening scene – jaw dropping. I didn’t know how he’d ever come back from that!

Fast forward a few months and Stephen turns up at Havensbrooke Hall which has been turned into a convalescent hospital. I found parts of this story heartbreaking because of the war setting. For four books I’ve been glorying in Freddie and Grace’s happily ever after, adventurous though it may be. But now war has raised its ugly head and Freddie is called to serve and Grace is manage heart and home and a hospital that might also contain a German spy.

Basham does a wonderful job of infusing warmth and humour in among the more dire plot points. Grace’s bookish musings are just as delightful and Stephen’s romance is…unorthodox! Lots of page-turning goodness to keep a reader fixated on the story until the kind of humorous/tender conclusion Basham is known for. Happy, happy sigh. Definitely a series I will revisit again.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Bachelor Spy, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 22 2026.

Autumn on My Mind + Giveaway

What happens when two exes find out their parents are dating?

When Reese and Dominic secretly dated and then broke up years ago, they knew they’d have to see each other again. They were from the same small town of Autumn Ridge, Vermont. Their families still lived there. It was inevitable.

What Reese didn’t expect was to see Dominic across the table from her, being introduced as the son of her mother’s latest boyfriend.

Dom and Reese can be exes. They can be neighbors. They could even maybe someday be friends. What they cannot be is siblings.

But Reese’s mother has her eyes on the prize, and she’s not walking away without a ring on her finger. So even though part of Reese’s heart still hurts from the past they share, she and Dominic agree to team up and separate their parents.

Spying? A necessity. Sneaking around? Obviously. And sabotage? Well…never say never.

But the further apart they attempt to push their parents, the closer Reese and Dom get—until the lines between past and present begin to blur, and they find themselves with the stickiest conundrum of owning the truth of what really happened between them…and deciding if their love deserves a second chance.

My Review:

Fun and flirty with enough emotional depth to keep things interesting.

Gracie Ruth Mitchell is one of my read-to-zero authors this year so I want to keep current with her books even as I play catchup with her backlist. Thrilled to find the book available in audio format, especially since narrator Ellen Quay’s performance is spot on for the story. She captures Reese’s personality perfectly and has a wonderful sense of timing when it comes to delivering playful banter and comedic moments.

The second chance, kinda enemies to more mix of tropes made a fun springboard for the romance. I could feel the tension simmering between Dom and Reese in every scene. Lots of sizzling sparks in the background just waiting to burst into flames. Deliciously romantical even during the awkward bits, of which there are many. Mitchell does a great job balancing witty banter with the occasional slapstick comedy action and, even if there were a couple of eye-rolling scenes, I was still invested in their shenanigans while I impatiently waited for them to see the light. And, oh my, when they finally do, toe-curling kisses ensue!

The author has really captured the essence of Fall throughout the story which added a sense of nostalgia for me since Autumn is my favourite season and Mitchell delivers it all here – the tastes and smells – the whole atmosphere really – and that made for a wonderfully cozy setting.

Heartwarming, emotionally satisfying and just a little bit zany, ‘Autumn on My Mind’ makes an ideal seasonal read (or listen) for fans of Closed Door Romance with a lot of heart.

Of note: This is the second book in the multi-authored ‘Falling for Autumn’ series but can easily be read as a standalone. All the books take place in the same small town during the same time frame so there are some character overlapping but not in a way that would confuse a reader. I read this book first and then immediately bought a copy of book #1 which I’m reading now. I’m excited to keep current with this series as I get ready to celebrate my favourite season of all!

My thanks to the author and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Autumn on My Mind, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 22 2026.

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Debut Novel + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

They are awards given out by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in recognition of outstanding Christian fiction in the previous calendar year. So these 2026 finalists are books published in 2025. You might have read them already, you might not. I’ll include links to books I’ve read and reviewed.

Carol Award Winners will be announced on August 29 2026 at the ACFW Gala in Memphis, Tennessee’s (wouldn’t you love to be there?!)

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Debut Category you would like to receive. Mention the title in your comment (or an email if you’re entering that way) and if you win, that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

Giveaway details may vary with each book (print, ebook only or winner’s choice of either, plus audible options for Canadians.) Edition availability will be noted in bold after the title/author/publisher of each entry. ALSO NOTE: Giveaway is for US and Canada OR ebook international if you have US Kindle account.

Debut Novel Finalists

To Have and to Hold by Deb L. Brown – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

When life doesn’t go according to plan, perfectionist Amelia must trade control for faith—and find joy in the beautiful mess of becoming a mother.

To Have and to Hold is a contemporary Christian novel that weaves heartache, humor, and hope into the unpredictable journey toward parenthood. Amelia Greathouse is a meticulous event planner who thrives on structure, checklists, and perfection. She wants to have it all—marriage, a career, and a family. Her husband, Melvin, is a creative museum curator with a spontaneous streak that keeps her grounded—and sometimes off balance. Together, they make a loving but unlikely pair.

When infertility turns their plans upside down, their marriage and faith are pushed to the brink. From invasive treatments to a devastating miscarriage, Amelia’s pursuit of motherhood becomes all-consuming. As she supports her best friend’s pregnancy and silently compares herself to the chaotic moms around her, she feels increasingly broken and alone. At work, a major opportunity tempts her to prove her worth—but at what cost?

Just as joy seems within reach, a heartbreaking setback threatens to unravel everything. Told with warmth and wit, To Have and to Hold explores the tension between striving and surrender, and the power of faith to carry us through life’s detours—toward the family we never expected but were meant to have.

Tattooed Woman at the Well by Terri McAdoo -Redemption Press – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

A tale of revenge, resilience, and redemption awaits in Terri McAdoo’s Tattooed Woman at the Well.Step into the world of Bleu Yarbro, a tough-as-nails truck driver on a mission to right the wrongs of her past.

Across America’s highways, Bleu navigates an unpredictable landscape of bullies, thugs, and heartache. Her only solace is the rooftop garden where she grows irises in memory of her beloved grandpa. But as Bleu’s quest for vengeance consumes her, she must confront the ultimate Will she rise above revenge or sink under its weight?

Buckle up for a fun and dangerous ride through the world of truck driving, tattooing, and temptation. With unlikely heroes and despicable villains at every turn, Tattooed Woman at the Well will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Can Bleu find redemption on the open road, or will her past catch up with her? Click the BUY NOW button and join Bleu on her unforgettable journey today. Fans of gritty, character-driven novels won’t want to miss this stunning debut from award-winning author Terri McAdoo.

The Tragedy of Old Ricker by Phillip Snyder – Living Tome Publishing – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

A Stražar’s life has never been easy — each day they delve into an enchanted forest that is bent on devouring everything within. Oli has been one of the last Stražar since watching his father die, barely scraping by a living for him and his sister. But everything changes when Léonie Baudelaire arrives, convinced that the kingdom’s only chance of surviving an enemy invasion lies at the heart of that forest. She hires Oli to guide her to the forest’s depths, giving him a chance to earn enough coin to change his life forever.

But everything is more dangerous than it seems.

Can Oli survive the depths of the forest and relive his past traumas? And when the invading army following Léonie arrives, Oli’s sister — Layla — must survive being thrust into a world of violence and death.

Here, in the world of La’Azurus, even the prayed for salvation may become the world’s doom.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 22 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

Conversations With Kav – Blog update and a bit of bookish whimsy

Can you believe we are already halfway through August? Fall will be here in just a few weeks and since the weather has mercifully cooled down (for now) I find myself hit by the strong urge to deep clean and organize. Anyone else get hit by the seasonal housekeeping bug? 🙂

Good news – since I just moved, everything is already organized to the nth degree and my wee little abode is easy to keep tidy so my cleaning frenzy lasted all of an hour. 🙂 But then I thought this is a good time for some blog housekeeping too, especially since we have some new followers. So, just a few reminders and possible changes:

Claiming Your Book Win

If you haven’t left your email address in your comment it is up to you to contact me with your information. If you have left an email and you haven’t heard from me by mid-week after the winner announcements are posted, please do contact me. Sometimes my email goes to spam, or I’ve typed it wrong or I’ve completely forgotten to send the notifications. That happened a lot this summer because of the move, but I’m getting back on track now. Hopefully. You have one month from the date of the winner announcements to claim your win.

How do I select the winners?

It’s truly as random as I can make it. I enter everyone’s name in a random wheel of names spinner wheel, then I shuffle the board before spinning to get the winner. It looks like this:

You can enter as many giveaways a week as you want. I make a separate wheel for each book. And yes, it’s possible to win a book two weeks in a row if that’s the way the wheel rolls.

Check Giveaway Details

Yes, offers change with every title. Editions can even vary depending on where you live. Details are noted in red under the ‘Giveaway Opportunity’ heading and divided by US, Canada and International. The same book might not be available in all editions depending on location. For instance I can only do audible giveaways for Canada. It’s all rather complicated but I’ve tried to simplify things as much as possible.

Re: Giveaways

Not every review I feature will include a giveaway. Check for the addition of ‘+giveaway’ after the book title (which is also the blog title.) So, a giveaway day will look like this: Jane Eyre + Giveaway. You’ll also see the the Giveaway Opportunity section in blue (and red) with all the details.

Due to rising prices and gas surcharges there might be a reduction in print giveaways and international shipping might have to drop to surface mail. Things are constantly changing so I’m playing it by ear but I do know the post office has a fluctuating gas price added to their shipping fee. It all depends on weight and distance etc.

I’ll still be reviewing five books a week and will continue to host as many giveaways as I can.

And now for a bit of bookish whimsy

As you know I am quite enamoured with my new neighbourhood. Tons of walking options in a historical part of town and I do love old houses! Anyway, I happened to be trying out a new walking path while listening to “The Lost Story of Via Belle” by Melanie Dobson and I turned a corner and came upon this:

Eeeepppp!!! That’s the house from the book! Honestly, if you’ve read the book, doesn’t that look like Olivia’s house? Complete with turret room?! What a fantastic bookish wonder! To come across that house as I was listening to that particular book!

Well, that sparked my imagination and I started make book/house connections or making up story starters to fit some of the beautiful architecture I come across every day on my walks. And I thought I’d share some of them here, (yes, I know that’s weird, but, really, are you in any way surprised?)

A modern house that backs onto an inlet. So many possibilities but I’ll go with a romantic suspense. The heroine is house sitting for her boss. It’s a hot summer night and she’s lounging on the deck with all the lights off enjoying the hint of a breeze when suddenly, she spies a dark figure in the park on the other side of the water…dragging something….and then, splash, a body shaped object starts to sink under the water. She gasps and straightens up to get a better look which sets off the motion detector lights and attracts the attention of the dark figure standing at the edge of the water….Bwahahahaha!

Rom/Com / Mystery. The heroine inherits a fixer upper that might just be haunted.

Historical: tenement housing for Irish Immigrants. Forbidden love between our Catholic heroine and her Protestant hero.

Contemporary Romance: Enemies to More – They are both pitching ideas to the city to repurpose a historical landmark church. She wants to create a community arts centre. He wants to convert it into luxury loft apartments.

This gorgeous apartment building is on my walk to the grocery store. Reminds me of the ‘Magic in the Building’ multi-authored series and Eryn Scott’s ‘Murder at the Morrisey Mystery’ series

Okay, true confession time: do any of you make up stories about the houses that strike your fancy on your walks (or drives?) Or see a house that exactly matches a fictional one you’re read about? Or is that just me?

August Giveaway – Week Three

Winners will be contacted if they left their email address, otherwise it’s up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca (please note it’s ca as in Canada, not com.) From time to time a winner and I do not connect so I have a one month time frame on giveaway wins. If I haven’t been able to reach you within 30 days of your win, it will be forfeited. This has happened a few times now, so please, DON’T BE SHY — CONTACT ME IF YOU DIDN’T LEAVE AN EMAIL OR IF I HAVEN’T BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU!

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:

Sunday

Monday

Carol Awards – Debut – Yes, it’s that time again. What are the Carol Awards, you ask? They are awards given out by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in recognition of outstanding Christian fiction in the previous calendar year. We’ll be looking at the finalists for each category every Monday through the summer. I’ll share the book titles and you get to choose the one you’d like to win if your name is drawn.

Murder in Blackfriars

In Victorian London, valiant cook and amateur sleuth Kat Holloway must help the man she loves solve the murder that will finally uncover his mysterious past, from the New York Times bestselling author of A Silence in Belgrave Square.

Kat Holloway’s beau, Daniel McAdam, has always had a past shrouded in mystery. He knows nothing about his origins, only that a kind man rescued him from the streets all those years ago. So when a man claiming he knows where Daniel comes from turns up dead moments before meeting with them, Daniel goes on the hunt for the killer. It soon becomes clear that to see justice served, Daniel will have to figure out who he truly is and where he came from. When Daniel asks Kat for her assistance, she readily complies, knowing she’ll do whatever it takes to protect the man she’s come to love.

The quest takes Kat and Daniel deep into the East End, where they face dangerous foes from Daniel’s rugged past, many of whom aren’t happy that Daniel now works with the police and will stop at nothing to keep Kat and Daniel from uncovering their secrets. As Kat begins to learn things about

Daniel’s history she’s not certain she wants to know, she fears that the darkest secret—his true name and lineage—will tear apart the tender bonds they’ve begun to form.

My Review:

This is one of my favourite historical mystery series. Kat’s no-nonsense approach to any dilemma stands her in good stead when amateur sleuthing is required. As does her courage and compassion. There’s also some tender poignancy in this ninth ‘Below Stairs Mystery’ as Kat grapples with a personal challenge that tugged at my heartstrings!

And then there’s Daniel. Swoony sigh. We finally get some answers about his mysterious back story and it was agonizing and riveting! Love the way the author weaves so many intricate details together to form a compelling plot full of intrigue and danger…and, of course, romance!

And I’m just as enamoured with the cast of secondary characters who are so well developed that I remember everything about them from one book to the next. Keeps me hoping for many more books to come because we need to get everybody sorted!

Side note: This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order. There is so much character development and back story plots that carry over from book to book. Relationships too. A reader will get so much more out each story by starting at the very beginning. Well worth playing catch-up!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Murder in Blackfriars’ and while I appreciated Kymberley Cochrane’s performance, I was a wee bit disappointed to see the change in narrators this late in the series. Funny, how my mind associates a certain voice with these characters even if it’s been months since I last heard them. So, it took a bit of adjustment in the beginning but I soon warmed to this new narrator’s style and her interpretation of these beloved characters.

My thanks to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.