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Reader’s Choice Giveaway – Autumn 2024 Edition – Goal Review

Another Best Reads Blog tradition is quarterly reading goal reviews. I’ll share my progress (or not!) here just for some fun, book nerdy stats and, if you’re so inclined you can share a goal or two in the comments. But no pressure – a goal can be as simple as ‘read a book.’

So, to enter this giveaway, just share anything goal related in the comments. Then, in the same comment, list a book that will help you reach your goal. So it looks like this:

“I want to catch up on some suspense series. Night Prey by Susan Sleeman.”

NOTE: BOOKS MUST BE CHRISTIAN FICTION

You can enter up to three times in three separate comments — and you can use the same goal or a different one each time, but a different title for each entry.

Books can be published any time up through to December 2024. Currently published books will be ordered this coming week for winners, otherwise it will be an IOU for a title releasing later in October, November or December 2024.

See? Easy Peasy. But if you’re still not clear, don’t be shy about asking questions.

Now, here are some of my reading goal highlights — just have three more months to work on them! Ack!

Okay, that’s enough nerdy stats stuff. Let’s get on with the giveaway!

Share below and remember to include a book title that will help you achieve any kind of reading goal. You can enter three times in three separate comments using the same goal or different ones. What ever strikes your fancy. Just make sure each entry is for a different title.

DRAW WILL BE HELD AND WINNER ANNOUNCED ON

SATURDAY September 28 2024.

OFFER OPEN TO ANY READER WHO HAS A US KINDLE .COM ACCOUNT FOR EBOOKS. OTHERWISE IT’S WINNER’S CHOICE OF PAPERBACK OR EBOOK FOR US AND CANADIAN ENTRIES.

Reader’s Choice Giveaway – Autumn 2024 Edition – Christian Fiction

Three cheers for my favourite season! Cooler temps, vibrant fall colours, geese flying south — I am loving the autumn vibes! And what is one of the first things I do to celebrate the start of the new season? Check into all the fall new releases of course! And that’s where this Reader’s Choice Week comes into play.

Here’s how this week’s giveaway works: You recommend CHRISTIAN FICTION genre specific titles with release dates in October, November or December 2024 (up to 3 suggestions per genre day) and you have a chance to win one of your recommendations! BUT it’s a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These giveaways are available in paperback or ebook format to US and Canadian readers. Ebooks available internationally if you have a .com kindle account (US Amazon)

IT’S GENERAL CHRISTIAN FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the books in the General Christian Fiction genre you would like to win.

General Christian Fiction – a full length story or novella or collection of novellas. Any genre, including previous selections you made on other days this week as well as specific genres not covered yet such as Amish, Speculative, SciFi etc.

How does it work?

Easy Peasy! May recommendations in the comment section and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

Publication date must be October, November or December 2024

Each day is genre specific, so only submit titles from that genre

Christian Fiction books only please!

You can offer up to three suggestions per genre day BUT they need to be made in 3 separate comments (easier for me to keep track of.)

No email entries this time round since WP comments are working

OF SPECIAL NOTE: IF YOU HAVEN’T COMMENTED ON THIS BLOG BEFORE, YOUR FIRST COMMENT WON’T APPEAR UNTIL I APPROVE IT. AFTER THAT YOUR COMMENTS WILL POST AUTOMATICALLY.

Entrants must submit their own selections (no piggybacking on someone else’s log in.)

It’s helpful to include your email (using AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers) but you only need to add it to one of your comments per day. If you choose not to include your email then it’s up to you to contact me if you are a winner.

DRAW WILL BE HELD AND WINNER ANNOUNCED ON

Saturday September 28 2024

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon on September 28. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.

Just in case you need some additional inspiration, I’ve compiled a list of new releases that caught my eye and haven’t been mentioned yet this week. At least, I don’t think they have but if I have some duplicates, my apologies.

OCTOBER:

Historical

The Innkeeper’s Christmas by Kristie Seif
A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado by Kathleen Denly
The Bookbinder’s Daughter by Lynn Dean
Brave by Mesu Andrews
A Noble Gift by Elizabeth Fryer
A Brilliant Alliance by Laura Beers
Secrets of a Duke by Martha Keyes

Contemporary

Maid at Christmas by Bell Renshaw
The Lost Daughter’s Irishman by Carolyn Miller
Running into Forever by Jennifer Rodewald
Marrying the Billboard Cowboy by Tara Grace Ericson
A Weary World Rejoices: Mosaic Christmas Anthology

Mystery/Suspense

Zeke (Oath of Honor; 7) by Laura Scott
Perilous Healing by Jessica Ashley

NOVEMBER

Historical

Investigation of a Journalist by Danielle Grandinetti (also mystery)
A Path to Healing by Lisa M. James
A Season for the Heart by J.M. Hochstetler (also Amish)
Above All Dreams by Naomi Rawlings

Contemporary

Caring for the Cowboy’s Baby by Hannah Jo Abbot
Matchmaking the Cowboy by Emily Conrad
Sugarplum Dreams by Jessie Gussman
An Amish Thanksgiving by Beth Wiseman

Mystery/Suspense

Mint Flavored Trouble by Tyora Moody (cozy mystery)
Fear No Evil by Lisa Phillips
Surge: a Breed Apart by Ronie Kendig
Investigation of a Journalist by Danielle Grandinetti (also historical)
Flynn by Laura Scott
Shadow of Fear by Susan Sleeman
Knight Brew by Heather Day Gilbert (cozy mystery)
The Gory of Light by Hannah Hood Lucero

DECEMBER

Historical

Let Nothing You Dismay by Jennifer Q. Hunt
The Last Fashion House in Paris by Renee Ryan

Contemporary

A Marriage Pact for the Cowboy by Valerie Comer
The Run Option by Anna Conwell
His Ninth Promise by Liz Isaacson
Flirting with Alaska by Belle Calhoun

Mystery/Suspense

Corralling the Cowboy by Elle E. Kay

Reader’s Choice Giveaway – Autumn 2024 Edition – Mystery/Suspense Fiction

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These giveaways are available in paperback or ebook format to US and Canadian readers. Ebooks available internationally if you have a .com kindle account (US Amazon)

IT’S MYSTERY/ROMANCE FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the books in the Mystery/Romance Fiction genre you would like to win.

Mystery/Suspense Fiction – a full length story or novella or collection of novellas where mystery is an important part of the plot. The hero or heroine (or both) are often in peril (more so in suspense) Can set in any time period and cross genres such as Amish, dual timeline etc.

How does it work?

Easy Peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

Publication date must be October, November or December 2024

Each day is genre specific, so only submit titles from that genre

Christian Fiction books only please!

You can offer up to three suggestions per genre day BUT they need to be made in 3 separate comments (easier for me to keep track of.)

No email entries this time round since WP comments are working

OF SPECIAL NOTE: IF YOU HAVEN’T COMMENTED ON THIS BLOG BEFORE, YOUR FIRST COMMENT WON’T APPEAR UNTIL I APPROVE IT. AFTER THAT YOUR COMMENTS WILL POST AUTOMATICALLY.

Entrants must submit their own selections (no piggybacking on someone else’s log in.)

DRAW WILL BE HELD AND WINNER ANNOUNCED ON

Saturday September 28 2024

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon on September 28. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.

Reader’s Choice Giveaway – Autumn 2024 Edition – Contemporary Fiction

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These giveaways are available in paperback or ebook format to US and Canadian readers. Ebooks available internationally if you have a .com kindle account (US Amazon)

IT’S CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE/FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the books in the Contemporary Fiction genre you would like to win.

Contemporary Romance/Fiction – a full length story or novella or collection of novellas set in any time period after 1980. May cross genres such as YA, Suspense, Amish etc. and may include dual timelines.

How does it work?

Easy Peasy! May recommendations in the comment section and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

Publication date must be October, November or December 2024

Each day is genre specific, so only submit titles from that genre

Christian Fiction books only please!

You can offer up to three suggestions per genre day BUT they need to be made in 3 separate comments (easier for me to keep track of.)

No email entries this time round since WP comments are working

OF SPECIAL NOTE: IF YOU HAVEN’T COMMENTED ON THIS BLOG BEFORE, YOUR FIRST COMMENT WON’T APPEAR UNTIL I APPROVE IT. AFTER THAT YOUR COMMENTS WILL POST AUTOMATICALLY.

Entrants must submit their own selections (no piggybacking on someone else’s log in.)

DRAW WILL BE HELD AND WINNER ANNOUNCED ON

Saturday September 28 2024

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon on September 28. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.

Reader’s Choice Giveaway – Autumn 2024 Edition – Historical Fiction

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These giveaways are available in paperback or ebook format to US and Canadian readers. Ebooks available internationally if you have a .com kindle account (US Amazon)

IT’S HISTORICAL ROMANCE/FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the books in the Historical Fiction genre you would like to win.

Historical Romance/Fiction – a full length story or novella or collection of novellas set in any time period before 1980. May cross genres such as YA, Suspense, Amish etc. and may include dual timelines.

How does it work?

Easy Peasy! May recommendations in the comment section and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

Publication date must be October, November or December 2024

Each day is genre specific, so only submit titles from that genre

Christian Fiction books only please!

You can offer up to three suggestions per genre day BUT they need to be made in 3 separate comments (easier for me to keep track of.)

No email entries this time round since WP comments are working

OF SPECIAL NOTE: IF YOU HAVEN’T COMMENTED ON THIS BLOG BEFORE, YOUR FIRST COMMENT WON’T APPEAR UNTIL I APPROVE IT. AFTER THAT YOUR COMMENTS WILL POST AUTOMATICALLY.

Entrants must submit their own selections (no piggybacking on someone else’s log in.)

DRAW WILL BE HELD AND WINNER ANNOUNCED ON

Saturday September 28 2024

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon on September 28. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.

September 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:

Woohoo — it’s time for another Reader’s Choice Week Giveaway – Autumn 2024 Edition! I’m sooooo excited! We’ll be looking at Christian Fiction books releasing in October, November or December 2024.

Monday September 23 – Historical Romance / Fiction — a full length story or novella or collection of novellas set in any time period before 1980. May cross genres such as YA, Suspense, Amish etc and may include dual timelines.

Tuesday September 24 – Contemporary Romance / Fiction — a full length story or novella or collection of novellas set in any time period after 1980. May cross genres such as YA, Suspense, Amish etc and may include dual timelines.

Wednesday September 25 – Mystery/Suspense Fiction — a full length story or novella or collection of novellas where mystery is an important part of the plot. The hero or heroine (or both) are often in peril (more so in suspense.) Can be set in any time period and cross genres such as YA, Amish, dual timeline etc.

Thursday September 26 – General Christian Fiction — a full length story or novella or collection of novellas. Any genre, including previous selections you made on other days this week as well as specific genres not covered yet such as Women’s Fiction, Speculative, SciFi etc.

Friday September 27 – Goal Review Giveaway – where we share our reading progress and the books that will help us achieve some of our last quarter goals. (can include books published any time — don’t have to stick to new fall releases.)

One Happy Summer

Running away from my disastrous career to an island off the Florida coast wasn’t part of my summer plans, but life hasn’t been cooperative lately, anyway. At least here, I can hide away and figure out how to untangle the mess I’ve gotten myself into.

One thing is certain: my A-list status and title of America’s Sweetheart are long gone, and they’re probably never coming back. I’ll just remain on this island until the worst of it blows over. Until the gossip magazines move on to another juicy topic. Until the paparazzi lose interest.

The problem is, I’m feeling pretty bored and lonely. Sneaking into town and grabbing a book to keep me occupied turns out not to be my best move. Because what I absolutely don’t need is Briggs Dalton, the man who runs the shop. He’s handsome and funny, and I can’t stop thinking about him.

Briggs believes that despite the chaos that is my life, I can still have a fun summer, and he’s determined to prove it to me.

Maybe, just maybe, this summer could turn out to be a happy one after all.

My Review:

I’m happy to be back in Sunset Harbor for this sixth book in the multi-authored ‘Falling for Summer’ series. I’ve read — well, listened– to five of the seven books now and am really enjoying these summer romances.

FYI: I read them all out of order, so each book reads well as a standalone, but since all the romances are happening during the same summer, there are some fun cameos of heroes and heroines from previous stories. This one is the least interactive that way though, because of Presley’s need to lay low so that no one knows where she’s staying and I definitely missed being able to catch up with some of the characters I’ve grown attached to from previous books.

Briggs and Presley’s meet-cute x 2 is all kinds of cringey and awkwardly funny. And I was kinda already swooning since he’s a glasses wearing hero (Presley likes that too) but — GASP — he’s actually not a reader despite the fact that he’s running the island bookshop. I was crushed!

So, we have a heroine who is running away from a scandal and a hero who is regrouping after a business failure — not exactly a solid foundation to build a relationship on but they just can’t resist each other and there are some solid Notting Hill vibes to their love story.

As their friendship grows, Briggs orchestrates the kind of summer Presley has always dreamed about but never experienced. All the simple, playful staples of summery activities she missed out on as a kid. There’s a ‘poor little rich girl’ air about Presley and I adored the gentle way Briggs went about making her feel seen and heard and accepted.

Of note: I was surprised by the occasional usage of mild language in this novel. It’s sparse, but just not what I was expecting, or looking for in a ‘clean’ read. Also, some kissing scenes were a bit overly descriptive — definitely fits the ‘clean’ category, but with a wee bit more detail than what I’m used to in this romantic sub-genre.

I listened to the audio edition — loved the dual narration by Abigail Reno and Ryan Stone. Their voices suited the personalties of Briggs and Presley and their performance enhanced my enjoyment of ‘One Happy Summer’.

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

Honor’s Refuge + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

When she was just five years old, Melissa Braxton watched her father take her mother’s life. Separated from her sister, Lola, at that time, Melissa grew up with a strong desire to help those stuck in abusive relationships. It’s why she became a family therapist and opened a domestic abuse shelter.

After losing a leg to a gunshot wound in the line of duty, Phil Osbourne has felt like a man without a purpose–until he hears Melissa’s story and decides to use his Special Forces contacts to track down her missing sister. He knows what he discovers will break Melissa’s heart. What he doesn’t realize is that helping the women reunite will bring the cartel down on them like the Category 5 hurricane striking Miami.

Bruised yet not quite broken, Melissa and Phil battle the storm and the cartel, calling on strength they didn’t know they had to escape death, save the innocent, and–just maybe–find healing in each other’s arms.

My Review:

published in 2022

I was intrigued by Phil when I met him in the first ‘Love and Honor’ book so I was thrilled to come upon his story in ‘Honor’s Refuge’…and it’s a doozy! Action, adventure, romance and sooooo much tension both with the suspense and the romance turned this into a ‘listen in one day’ kind of read for me.

There are some heart stopping moments too — honestly, I was emotionally wrung out by the end. Bridgeman knows how to write in a way that allows a reader to feel her through the story and I’m, thankfully, mostly healed from some of the more shocking emotional sucker punches she threw. 🙂 Phew! Intense doesn’t begin to describe it. But I love the way the author also seamlessly wove an inspirational thread in and around these characters as well.

While this is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. There’s much less team involvement than the other two books though we get a a couple of cameos of former heroes who play a significant role at the beginning of this story.

I enjoyed the time I spent listening to the audio book narrated by Libby McKnight.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Honor’s Refuge, 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 September 21 2024.

Bidding on a Second Chance + Giveaway

His bid for a second chance this Christmas might lead to her most disastrous fall yet.

Police officer Graham Lockhart’s life is dangerous enough without accident-prone Piper Wells tripping around in it—at least that’s what she claimed when she declined his marriage proposal two years ago. But he can’t help but wonder if there is more to her refusal.

Piper always cared for Graham, but she is incapable of giving him the one thing he wants more than anything—family. All her orphaned self knows about that is how much it hurts to lose. She’s better off focusing on caring for her nephew and running her business. Secondhand furniture doesn’t break hearts.

When an injury sidelines Piper leading into the holidays, Graham steps up to help her keep her commitment to a Christmastime auction benefiting a local family. Can they overcome the hurdles between them, or will the past and their warring hopes and fears trip them up for good?

Visit Redemption Ridge, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series of Christian romance.

This series is a spin-off continuation of the best-selling Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series with all new characters and traditions, but the same magic of community and romance readers love.

My Review:

Second Chance Romance + Christmas = one happy reader 🙂

And…wait a minute…this is a whole series of Christmas stories?! Yes, please! ‘Christmas in Redemption Ridge’ is a spin-off of the ‘Heroes of Freedom Ridge’ series and both are multi-authored so the books read well independently. I haven’t read any of the other books in either series and had no issues jumping in here.

Loved the setting — Redemption Ridge is the kind of town I want to live in. Great community spirit with just enough busybodies to get things done in the reluctant romance department. 🙂 And we’re talking Reluctance with a capital R when it comes to Piper and Graham! So, be prepared for some angst before we reach that sought after happily ever after.

Piper struggles with an overwhelming fear of ‘what ifs.’ Her doomsday attitude hampers her ability to ‘let go and let God’ and just appreciate what she has in the moment instead of worrying that it might be snatched away any minute. She has legitimate reasons for feeling this way, but she has allowed fear to smother her hope for the future…and that includes having one with Graham.

But then circumstances conspire to bring these two star-crossed lovers together at the most magical time of year. It’s messy and awkward and sweet and endearing. All the key ingredients for a good romance and I really appreciated the strong inspirational message seamlessly woven all through the story.

Heartwarming and hope soaring – the perfect combination for a Christmas romance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Bidding on a Second Chance, 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 November 9 2024.

A Not So Fictional Fall + Giveaway

I live for happily ever afters.
And I’m finally meeting my favorite romance author in person!

Only, all this time, I thought author, Amelie De Pierre, was a woman.

It turns out, Pierre Toussaint is the man behind the books that make me weak in the knees. He could be the consummate book boyfriend with his dreamy hazel eyes, strong jawline, and those black-rimmed glasses. Not to mention that accent. Oh, that French accent. When Pierre speaks, I feel like I’m curled in his arms on a riverbank being fed chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Not Pierre’s arms, of course. We barely just met. And I’m just me. And he’s Pierre, internationally renowned romance author.

Seeing Pierre in person has me stammering and blushing—two things I don’t usually do.

Imagine my surprise when I receive a call a few weeks after meeting Pierre—from his agent—proposing marriage. Not that I’d marry his agent.

They want me to marry Pierre.

My Review:

bkboz;hyphyupww…this is the result of trying to type in a liquified state because I’ve swooned myself into an epic romantical meltdown and I’m not sure if my bones will solidify any time soon.

Because….THIS BOOK!!!!! Pierre!!! This book and Pierre and a rabid romance fiction fan and A MODERN DAY MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE. I can’t even…excuse me while I get my swoons out. Again.

Okay, I’ll try to be coherent now. If you’re looking for sweet perfection in a rom/com, ‘A Not So Fictional Fall’ is the way to go. I mean, even the title is creatively brilliant and teases at the scrumptious nuances of the story inside. From the delightfully awkward meet-cute to the the way the marriage of convenience comes about — happy, happy sigh….I have no words.

Well, maybe a few. Funny. Heartwarming. Compelling. The kind of book you want to race through but force yourself to hang back and savor every delicious moment. Excellent pacing — love the way the romance gradually develops between Pierre and Tasha. So many swoonworthy moments and when we get to those toe-curling kisses, well, my toes may be permanently crimped.

And, as if the storytelling wasn’t enough to captivate me, the dual narration of the audio book sent my bibliophile heart soaring ever higher! Amanda Friday and Tyler Hyrchuk gave brilliant performances. The way they brought every facet of Pierre and Tasha to life — from the teasing moments to the introspective ones, not to mention the sarcastically funny ones. Made for an incredibly entertaining ‘read’. Highly, highly recommend the audio edition of this book.

My thanks to the author and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the A Not So Fictional Fall, 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 September 21 2024.