Carol Awards – Kav's Best Reads

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Speculative + 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 (wouldn’t you love to be there?!)

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Speculative 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.

Speculative Finalists

Forever by Gina Detwiler – Ally Press – Giveaway options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

The End Times have arrived.

Grace Fortune leads the rebellion against the United Earth, devastated by the belief that her husband, Jared Lorn, has joined the dark side as the son of the ruthless Supreme Lord Grigori Zazel.

But Jared, now known as the gladiator and demigod Baldyr, is locked in a desperate battle with his fallen angel father. His father’s plan? To annihilate not just Israel but the entire world.

As the apocalypse looms, will Grace and Jared find a way to reunite before the world is destroyed? Can they survive the coming devastation? And what happens when a new, even more terrifying enemy emerges—one who will exploit their love and humanity to bring about their downfall?

All these questions and more will be answered in the thrilling conclusion of The Forlorn series.

Echo Nova by Clint Hall – Enclave Escape – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

Dash Keane is about to become the biggest star in history.

As a poor teenager living in the Dregs, Dash Keane can only escape his dismal reality by competing in illegal rooftop races and staying up late to watch the timenet with his younger brother.

When there is an opportunity to participate in a competition set thousands of years in the past, he uses his rooftop racer skills to catch the eye of Mr. Myrtrym, head of entertainment for the massive Dominus Corporation.

It is the chance of a lifetime when Dominus Corp. hires Dash to be a timestar—the focus of his own series in which he must survive some of the most dangerous periods in history, including the Cretaceous period, feudal Japan, the Wild West, and the Golden Age of Piracy.

But when empathy for the people of the past conflicts with the desires of his new employer, he must decide whether the price of fame is worth it, a decision that may cost him everything.

Darkfell by Amanda Wright – Quill and Flame Publishers – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

His is a life of books and peace…until a dying warrior’s touch ignites an ancient magic within his blood.

For years, Thom Darkfell has used his cartography skills to advise Lomair’s king of the country’s shifting borders. A valued academic, Thom is excluded from the military drafts until whispers of dark abominations and mass casualties reach the king’s ears. The resulting conscription thrusts Thom into Lomair’s losing army. A realist, Thom ignores the wild myths circling through the ranks—until a monster’s jaws snap through the folds of reality and crush a man before Thom’s eyes.

With his dying breath, the Realm Walker passes an impossible task to Thom. Hours later, the visions begin. The Creator, a deity Thom knows only from rituals spoken over meals and graves, appears to him while a girl with starlight in her blood calls from beyond the veil.

Armed with a cryptic map, a biscuit-loving tutor, and the brawn of his best friend, Thom sets out to find the star daughter and lock the barrier to bind the dark realm of Zakar.

If he fails, it will be the end of all.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 8 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Short Novel + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

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

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Short Novel 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:

Short Novel Finalists

One Nine by Sara Davison – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

Detective Chase Washington knows Brooke Turner is guilty of murdering her best friend. What he can’t comprehend is how she has managed to elude capture for six months. With Lenora Chambers’ blood calling out to him from the ground, Chase will stop at nothing to find Brooke Turner and bring her to justice.

When he finally tracks her down, nothing is as black and white as Chase thought. Lost in the wild with no way to communicate with the outside world and another possible suspect on their trail, Chase and his prisoner have become the prey in a desperate quest to survive.

Fans of riveting, edge-of-your-seat suspense with clean romance and spiritual truths will love this fast-paced offering. https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/01/21/one-nine-giveaway/

To Capture a Mountain Man by Robin Lee Hatcher – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US kindle account.

She came seeking adventure. He never expected her to find him.

Lady Amanda Whitcombe dreamed of the untamed beauty of the American West from the moment Buffalo Bill’s Wild West dazzled her during the Queen’s Jubilee. But nothing could prepare her for the rugged wilderness of Yellowstone—or the man who would change her life forever.

When Amanda is swept into the icy currents of a park river, game scout Isaiah Coltrane rescues her. Used to solitude and determined to avoid entanglements—especially with a woman as refined as Amanda—he’s eager to return her to civilization. Yet her courage and quick wit soon prove there’s more to her than the polished exterior of an English lady.

Bound by circumstance and danger, Amanda and Isaiah must navigate the perils of poachers, rustlers, and a growing affection he is not ready to admit. Isaiah believes Amanda belongs in the world of fine society, not the remote mountains he calls home. But Amanda’s heart has already chosen him—and she’s willing to fight for the man who believes he’s unworthy of her love.

A romance of courage, love, and an unbreakable bond forged in the wild.

To Reveal a Reckless Love by Robin Lee Hatcher – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

In a desperate attempt to find her missing brother, Victoria Castleton leaves behind the comforts of Boston for the wild beauty of Yellowstone National Park. Her search leads her into the path of Roger Bernhardt—a gifted British artist with a guarded heart. What begins as a chance meeting soon becomes a journey neither expected.

Roger came to America seeking inspiration, not entanglement. But from the moment he sees Victoria’s determined gaze, he’s drawn to her quiet strength—and the mystery of the brother she’s willing to risk so much to find.

As their path leads from the wonders of Yellowstone to an Idaho ranch called Eden’s Gate and the small town of Gibeon, Victoria and Roger discover that God’s plans often look nothing like their own. When danger threatens the town and hearts are tested by fear and longing, they must decide if the love growing between them is only temporary—or the home they’ve both been searching for.

A story of second chances, steadfast love, and the courage to follow where God leads.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 1 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Romantic Suspense + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

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

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Romantic Suspense 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:

Romanctic Suspense Finalists

Failed Protocol by Cindy Bonds – Scrivenings Press – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US kindle account.

Olivia Lloyd left the U.K. to work in Texas as head of security for a tech firm. Her training in the British Army gave her a chance to get into the SAS—Special Air Service. But she washed out, with the help of her uncle and his contacts. Now, here at her uncle’s request, she’s lonely and miserable after running away from her last life-altering loss.

Kenton Matthews’ recon days are over. He now works as a detective in Dallas, offering assessments for security when high-value targets come to town. But a request from an old friend has his heart pounding, as the threat to the large tech firm holds more than just a breach of security.

Kenton is determined to battle the failed mission from long ago and will do everything he can to protect Olivia from facing the same torturous man her uncle faced. But can Olivia trust the one man her uncle deems more than worthy?

Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong – Scrivenings Press – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US kindle account.

After barely escaping an attempted abduction, Houston attorney Riley Hudson is forced to accept her wealthy father’s demand for private security. The last thing she wants is a bodyguard—especially one as maddeningly arrogant, bossy … and handsome as Colton Blankenship. Yet as the threat against her escalates, she begins to rely not only on his skills, but his steadfast presence.

Colton isn’t thrilled about giving up his hard-earned holiday vacation to protect a spoiled heiress. But he soon learns Riley is nothing like he expected. Fierce, independent, and unwavering in her faith, she’s everything he thought he’d left behind after tragedy shattered his own beliefs. As the unknown threat circles closer, the tension between them ignites into something deeper … and far more perilous.

When a second attempt on Riley’s life nearly succeeds, Colton faces a terrifying truth. Protecting her means risking more than just his life. Haunted by a past he can’t outrun, and a faith he’s all but lost, he must decide if he can trust God again … before he loses Riley—and his heart—for good. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8178522686

I Can’t Hear You by Vikki Kestrel – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US kindle account.

TWO SCENES, TWO WOMEN, two separate deaths, yet neither death suspicious in and of itself. What confounds Detective Richard Hawke and his partner Dov Mayer is the blood left at both scenes . . . blood that does not belong to either of the deceased.

The mystery surrounding the two deaths and the inexplicable “blood ritual” found with both bodies grows when Grace Warner, a local physician and psychiatrist specializing in hearing disorders, receives a scrawled note and brings it to the homicide I dint meen to skare her.

Was the note written by a juvenile or by an adult with a patchy education?

Hawke and Mayer’s working theories fall apart when the city experiences a third death, a definite homicide this time, complete with the same strange blood ritual found with the first two bodies. Worse, the grisly murder is followed by another . . . and another and another.

As panic takes hold of the city, pressure on Hawke and Mayer to find the killer and end his killing spree intensifies. At the same time, the commonalities between the first two deaths and the ongoing string of murders cannot be ignored.

Hawke begins to realize that something much deeper is in play, something hidden yet intensely sinister. Can Hawke and Mayer outthink the killer and capture him before they or those close to them become the hunted?

Protecting You by Robin Patchen – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with US Kindle account.

In a high-stakes game of deception, two rivals must work together to bring down a ruthless terrorist network.After Alyssa’s dream of working in US intelligence is thwarted, she leaves her mundane profession to pursue a career as a cyber investigator. Though she aces every case she gets, securing enough customers to pay her rent proves challenging. When a lucrative commission comes along, she thinks she’s hit the jackpot. But this client isn’t the British entrepreneur he claims to be. And then her old nemesis interrupts their meeting with a startling move.

NSA agent Gideon Todd is floundering in his new role as a single father to a surprise daughter, but he still has a job to do. He follows a tip about a terrorist, only to be shocked when he finds his old college adversary dining with the notorious killer. Maybe there was a better way to step in than by posing as Alyssa’s fiancé, but it was the best excuse he could come up with to insert himself into their meeting.

Gideon once stole the job Alyssa coveted, and now the last thing she wants is his help. But when he explains who her client actually is, she realizes she’s in way over her head. Dariush Ghazi knew exactly what he was doing when he targeted her. She’s trapped. She must go along with a dangerous scheme, pretending to help him while working with Gideon…or end up dead.

In their quest to dismantle Dariush’s network of evil, Gideon and Alyssa risk sacrificing each other—and everything they hold dear.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 25 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Romance + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

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

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Romance 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:

Romance Finalists

Before Grace by Anna Daugherty – Black Rose Writing – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

Young mother and widow Katie Kaminski is chasing happiness at any cost—even to her children. When her in-laws ask her to photograph Grace Church’s fall festival, Katie reluctantly agrees to spend a week in her late husband’s hometown. But where she expected to find ghosts of his past, she instead finds her own.

Standing next to her in-laws is former flame Isaac Torres. The soldier-turned-police officer isn’t at church for God, though. He has no need for religion or women—especially the ones who have lied to him, like Katie.

As the past and present collide, a week on the Texas coast turns into two when an accident forces Katie to stay. The pain she runs from is catching up to her, threatening what remains of her family. For two people who know the high cost of love, will it be worth the risk?

An inspirational, second-chance story, Before Grace is the stand-alone prequel to the best-selling Grace Church Series from award-winning author Anna Daugherty. For realistic stories with a Biblical worldview and clean romance, grab a copy and enter the world of Grace Church today.

Small Town Harmony by Milla Holt – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

She chased her dream. Now her marriage is paying the price.Ezra Falconer always took the lead—onstage with his brothers’ Christian band, and at home with his quiet, dependable wife, Martha. But everything changed when Martha found her voice. Dropping 100 pounds, she ditched her frumpy style and emerged as the sultry, powerhouse star known as “Morgan.”

Now her music career is soaring. Ezra’s is stalling. And the marriage they once relied on is quietly burning down behind the scenes.

When they’re asked to record a charity duet, the studio becomes a battleground of buried resentment and lingering love, forcing them to face the growing silence between them. How can they rediscover harmony while they’re singing in different keys?

Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon – Bethany House – Giveaway Options : US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US kindle account.

Little Creek’s bookmobile is more of a death trap on wheels than a vehicle of literary delights, and circulation librarian Haley Holt is afraid it’s going to careen down a mountainside with her in it. Yet she sees it as a way to serve her community and be worthy of the liver transplant that saved her life as a child. However, her fears come true when the bookmobile breaks down and a rockslide traps her in the small hollow of Turkey Grove.

Reclusive mechanic Levi Redding lives in tiny Turkey Grove to get away from people. He can handle getting the bookmobile running again, but the endless chatter and unsettling touch from the vibrant librarian leaves him overstimulated. When forced proximity leads to a misunderstanding, a note of apology begins an epistolary friendship, proving that sometimes the happiest of endings aren’t contained within the bindings of a book.

Sarah Monzon pens a charming story for fans of books about books, the forced-proximity and grumpy-sunshine tropes, and pen-pal romances. https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/11/17/hearts-in-circulation-giveaway/

Meant for Me by Betsy St. Amant – Sunrise Publishing – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

He was her best friend. Still is. But when her beloved beignet shop burns down, he’ll have to be more if she hopes to start over. But will friendship survive the dangers of a marriage of convenience?

Lincoln “Linc” Fontenot enjoys working out, running his crawfish business, and the company of approximately three people. Zoey Lakewood has been at the top of that short list for years, the only bit of sunshine he ever allows to part his comfortably cloudy sky. But when Linc’s steady, quiet world is rocked by the unexpected guardianship of a teen girl, his friendship with Zoey becomes even more crucial. He needs help, bad…but maybe not as bad as Zoey.

Zoey’s never had a problem manifesting joy. But having just lost her home and her beignet business to an uninsured fire, for once she struggles to find the silver lining. She and Linc arrange to help each other out—as just friends, of course. She’ll provide teen-parenting assistance while he provides a place for her to get back on her feet. But one thing her friendship with Linc has never had to navigate is close proximity.

Tension—and chemistry—mount as they attempt to manage this sudden insta-family. But Zoey just lost everything, and she can’t risk losing her best friend, too. Will her friendship with Linc go up in flames like her beignet shop? Or will Linc and Zoey finally realize they were meant for each other?

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 18 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Novella + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

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

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Novella 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:

Novella Category Finalists

A Bible and a .44 (in From This Moment On : Two Kind Meadows Novellas) by Robin Lee Hatcher – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

BIBLE AND A .44 : A past to redeem, a love to reclaim, and a faith to guide the way.

Jesse Graham returns to Kings Meadow a changed man, determined to atone for the mistakes of his wild youth. He longs to rebuild his relationship with his widowed mother and make amends to those he wronged—especially Willow Foster, the pastor’s granddaughter who once loved him despite his wicked ways. Willow has spent years trying to forget Jesse, guarding her heart against the pain he caused. But his return stirs emotions she thought she’d buried, and she must decide if she can trust the man he’s become.

With a heart surrendered to Jesus, Jesse faces the consequences of his past while serving the community he once shamed. As he works to prove his transformation, he finds himself falling for Willow in a new and lasting way—and hoping for a future that holds more than her forgiveness.

The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M. White – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US kindle account.

In this charming World War II historical romance novella inspired by Jolabokaflod, Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood, an author falls in love with a man who doesn’t know he is her editor.

Iceland. December 1944. Tatiana Eliasdottir is looking forward to welcoming her niece Elea for Christmas. She’s determined to give the little girl a joyful holiday and take her mind off troubles at home. Soon, however, the publishing house where Tatiana works is flooded with orders thanks to the first issue of a seasonal book catalog. With the war causing so many shortages, Icelanders are eager to give their loved ones something that isn’t rationed, and books are the perfect solution to their dilemma.

Anders Johannsson is an editor who shares Tatiana’s love for stories. While he wishes to know her better, he’s never dared pursue more than friendship. They are first and foremost colleagues. But when Tatiana’s attempts to cheer Elea fail, Tatiana recruits him to help, a plea he can’t refuse. He is, after all, not only an editor but a beloved children’s book author and devoted uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews.

As the two creatively bring Icelandic Christmas traditions to life for Elea and frantically work to meet the demands of the publisher’s holiday rush, Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders. But if a love is to grow between them, she will need to reveal her closely held she is the mysterious author of a popular new novel . . . and Anders is her editor.

A standalone World War II historical Christmas novella. A sweet holiday romance with a friends-to-more trope. Features a bookish heroine and hero. Christian fiction great for fans of Lynn Austin and Sarah Sundin. https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/10/14/the-christmas-book-flood-giveaway/

A Star in the West (On a Midnight Clear Collection) by Karen Witemeyer – Bethany House – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US kindle account.

Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?

Draw will be held and winner announced on Wednesday July 24 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Mystery/Suspense/Thriller + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

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

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Mystery/Suspense/Thriller 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:

Midnight Masquerade by Elle E. Kay – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

When everyone wears a mask, who can you trust?

CIA operative Dante Reyes stumbles onto a chilling discovery in this Christian romantic suspense. American women, including his former SEAL teammate’s sister Wendy, are being trafficked overseas to fuel a terrorist plot, orchestrated through a sinister dating app scheme. Thrust into forced proximity with HSI Agent Lisa Harper, a sharp-witted investigator with a painful past, Dante faces a task force shadowed by suspicion.

Lisa, hardened by life and skeptical of faith, must lead the mission despite a mysterious leak threatening their every move. As they race to dismantle the network, Dante’s quiet strength and protective nature chip away at Lisa’s defenses in this enemies to lovers romance, igniting an attraction neither can ignore.

The trail leads to a glittering masquerade ball, where international buyers gather for a final, explosive transaction. With high stakes and time running out, Dante and Lisa must navigate a web of deception, where trust in each other and something greater becomes the ultimate weapon and their hearts the greatest risk.

In a world where loyalties shift like shadows, can they overcome their fears and forge a bond strong enough to save the innocent, or will betrayal from within shatter everything they hold dear?

Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer – Bethany House – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

Gifted with the ability to time-cross between Victorian-era London and World War II Washington, DC, Kathryn faces two lives fraught with danger. In 1938 amid the looming shadow of war, Kathryn is invited to the London Museum as a guest curator to create a groundbreaking exhibit on Jack the Ripper and his reign of terror. As she delves into her grim research, she uncovers a chilling discovery: her own sister is destined to become the Ripper’s final victim decades earlier.

In 1888, in a race against fate, Kathryn is assisted by her handsome childhood friend in hunting down history’s most elusive killer. As they unravel the threads of mystery woven through time, Kathryn must decide if she’ll unmask the murderer history has chosen to hide, forfeiting a life with the man she loves to save her sister.

Bestselling author Gabrielle Meyer presents yet another thrilling time-travel tale of intrigue, loyalty, and romance–threaded with suspense and decisions that could change history.

Innocence Sold by B.F. Randall – Iron Stream Media – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

In 1978, Detective Lieutenant Bobby Richards takes his family on an outing to the San Francisco Headlands, where his sons briefly go missing. He soon finds them near a wildly painted VW bus, totally mesmerized by strangers whose appearance easily identify them as part of the current hippie culture. The strangers become belligerent when Bobby tells his sons that it’s time to go, but he quickly defuses the situation by flashing his badge. But, something about the strangers, the incident, the bus stays with Bobby. Months later, while investigating a missing-child case, he connects a similar VW bus sighting to a larger pattern and the incident from the Headlands quickly unravels into a haunting investigation of unthinkable crimes, revealing the darkness lurking beneath the surface of society.

Bobby learns too well that in the shadows, watching, waiting, are those who need but a moment to rip the heart out of a family and steal the most precious gift God ever gave them.

Steeped in suspense, faith, and the raw realities of crime and redemption, this gripping thriller from a pastor and former police officer will pull you into a world where justice comes at a cost—and sometimes, where the greatest battles are fought in the soul.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 20 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Historical Romance + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

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

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Historical Romance 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:

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible – International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Lawyer James Kinney isn’t looking for love, and laundress Sara O’Connor doesn’t want to be found. When their paths cross in a British colony on the brink of rebellion, a marriage of convenience may be their best hope of survival.

Canada, 1837. Widower James Kinney knows his precocious daughter, Evie, needs more than his lessons on law and logic, but Toronto offers few options. Classes with the neighbor children seem ideal until James discovers Evie is secretly spending her time with Sara O’Connor, a kind and mysteriously educated servant. For propriety’s sake, James forbids their friendship. But then Evie falls victim to the illness ravaging the city, and James must call upon Sara’s medical knowledge and her special bond with Evie to save his daughter’s life.

When Sara’s presence in his household threatens scandal, however, James offers an unexpected become his wife, in name only, and help him raise Evie to be a proper young lady.

If Sara can ignore the sparks she feels when they’re together, his logical proposal could keep her secret secure forever. But soon, the forces of rebellion unravel their tidy arrangement. When James is accused of treason, Sara must find the courage to face a past that could save her husband’s life.

Clean and wholesome, marriage-of-convenience historical romanceFilled with love, faith, and adventure. Inspirational historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Tamera AlexanderIncludes discussion questions for book clubs https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/08/28/the-lawyer-and-the-laundress-giveaway/

The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

In this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi occupation in Paris and fight to preserve the truth that enemies of freedom long to destroy.

Paris, 1940. Ever since the Nazi Party began burning books, German writers exiled for their opinions or heritage have been taking up residence in Paris. There they opened a library meant to celebrate the freedom of ideas and gathered every book on the banned list . . . and even incognito versions of the forbidden books that were smuggled back into Germany.

For the last six years, Corinne Bastien has been reading those books and making that library a second home. But when the German army takes possession of Paris, she loses access to the library and all the secrets she’d hidden there. Secrets the Allies will need if they have any hope of liberating the city she calls home.

Christian Bauer may be German, but he never wanted anything to do with the Nazi Party—he is a professor, one who’s done his best to protect his family as well as the books that were a threat to Nazi ideals. But when Goebbels sends him to Paris to handle the “relocation” of France’s libraries, he’s forced into an army uniform and given a rank he doesn’t want. In Paris, he tries to protect whoever and whatever he can from the madness of the Party and preserve the ideas that Germans will need again when that madness is over, and maybe find a lost piece of his heart.

A Song in the Dark by Kimberley Woodhouse – Bethany House – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Against the simmering backdrop of the impending WWII, blind virtuoso pianist Chaisley Frappier embarks on a concert tour through a rapidly changing Europe despite the dangers. When she learns that Hitler’s escalating regime of injustice is targeting other disabled people, Chaisley realizes she is in a prime position to help those who are threatened reach safety. But the Führer’s growing fascination with the celebrated musician endangers her undercover mission and forces her to walk a tightrope between her fame and her calling.

When Rick Zimmerman receives his next assignment from the British Secret Intelligence Service, he’s surprised to learn he’ll be acting as the personal driver of a world-renowned pianist as she traverses Europe. The role gives him the perfect cover to complete side missions of sabotage and intelligence-gathering, but he soon suspects the brilliant, alluring pianist has secrets of her own. As Chaisley and Rick confront evil at every turn, it will take every bit of faith and courage they possess to triumph over hate–and survive.

Bestselling author Kimberley Woodhouse crafts a stirring story of fighting for hope, love, and justice amid the tumultuous European continent on the brink of war.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 13 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK.

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Historical Fiction + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

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

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Historical Fiction 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:

The Fourth Magi by Bryan E. Canter – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

A biblical historical adventure for any season.

A sign in the heavens. A journey into the heart of an empire. A secret mission that could cost them everything.

A rare celestial event not seen in a thousand years sends three Parthian magi on a covert quest to find a newborn king prophesied to change the world. They are joined by Artaban, a brilliant but skeptical scholar haunted by his father’s tragic legacy.

Thrust into a world of deadly political intrigue, the magi are pursued by shadowy agents from their own court and haunted by the ever-watchful legions of Rome. Their treacherous journey across unforgiving deserts is fraught with bandit attacks, sinister plots, and the ghosts of Artaban’s own past.

From the opulent courts of Parthia to the dusty streets of Bethlehem, The Fourth Magi is a sweeping tale of historical richness, heart-pounding suspense, and profound spiritual discovery. It is an unforgettable reimagining of the Christmas story, exploring the clash of empires, the weight of legacy, and the power of a single moment to transform a life of doubt into one of unshakable faith—a story whose themes resonate long after the manger fades from view.

Experience the authentic world of the Nativity story, where faith and doubt intertwine beneath heavenly signs, and discover that sometimes the most valuable gift is the one we least expect to give.

The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

In the hills of Tennessee, two women work at a Manhattan Project site during World War II and uncover truths that irrevocably change their lives in this captivating new story from award-winning Southern fiction author Michelle Shocklee.

1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her impoverished family. She knows little about the work she will be doing, but she’s told it will help America win the war. Not all is what it seems, however. Though Oak Ridge employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing disturbing information, then disappears without a trace. Mae desperately attempts to find her but instead comes face-to-face with a life-altering revelation—one that comes at significant cost.

1979. Laurel Willett is a graduate student in Boston when she learns about the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where thousands unknowingly worked on the atomic bomb. Intrigued because she knows her Aunt Mae was employed there, Laurel decides to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to add a family connection to her thesis research. But Mae adamantly refuses to talk about her time in the Secret City. Mae’s friends, however, offer to share their experiences, propelling Laurel on her path to uncovering the truth about a missing woman. As Laurel works to put the pieces together, the hidden pain and guilt Mae has tried so hard to bury comes to light . . . with potentially disastrous consequences.

Standalone Southern historical fiction great for fans of Lisa Wingate, Donna Everhart, and Lynn AustinA compelling dual-timeline novel set during WWII and the 1970s about the weight of secrets and the power of forgivenessIncludes discussion questions for book groups.

Last Light Over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle.

Galveston, Texas. September 1900. Only months ago, Kathleen McDaniel returned from finishing school in Switzerland to her family home in New York’s Hudson Valley with a future of promise and privilege set before her. But one horrific event shattered her picturesque life. Now she has fled as far as the train line and a pocketful of money would take her, finding refuge at the St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island, where she helps the nuns care for their young charges and prays her past will not find her. Despite her tenuous standing at the orphanage—and the grief and betrayal that drove her from home—Kathleen slowly begins to make friends. There is Emily, the novice nun she rooms with; Maggie, the tempestuous young girl who only bonds with Kathleen; and Matthew, a kind, handsome man recently employed by Isaac Cline at Galveston’s office of the US Weather Bureau.

Then in one fateful day, Kathleen’s fragile new life begins to crack as it becomes clear that she can’t run far enough to escape the reach of her former life. Meanwhile, as troubling news about a storm crossing the Gulf from Cuba swirls in the Weather Bureau offices, Matthew holds fast to Cline’s belief that no hurricane can touch Galveston. But as darkness falls on the island, Kathleen must gather her courage and reach for a strength beyond her own if she—and those she loves—are to survive.

A stand-alone historical novel about the 1900 Galveston hurricaneA gripping read inspired by true eventsFeatures themes of resilience, found family, and redemptionIncludes discussion questions perfect for book clubs. https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/02/18/last-light-over-galveston-giveaway/

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 6 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

2026 Carol Award Finalists – Contemporary + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

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

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 —Contemporary 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:

Contemporary Finalists

Before I Go : Frank’s Story by Marilyn K. Blair – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Frank Happy hoped he could flee the violence that plagued his growing up years and start a new life with his mother and brother in the quiet coastal town of Eastport, Maine. But building a life when anger resides on one shoulder and fear on the other is not an easy task.

Delving deep into the complexities of family relationships and the devastating consequences of anger and unforgiveness, Before I Go, the prequel to the first novel of The Eastport Series, takes you on a tender, faith-filled, and at times gut-wrenching journey through Frank Happy’s life–from his teenage years through adulthood.

Fans of Lisa Wingate and Jan Karon will want to add this gripping tale to their collections.

What the River Keeps by Cheryl Grey Bostrom – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Hildy Nybo is a successful biologist, her study of the Pacific Northwest’s wild fish both a passion and a career. But behind her professional brilliance, Hildy’s reclusive private life reflects a childhood fraught with uncertainty. Despite her father’s love and her mother’s sympathy, she grew up constantly losing even her most cherished belongings, unable to recall where she misplaced them. Haunted by the confusion of those early years, she now records her life in detailed diaries and clings tightly to memory-prompting keepsakes.

Then her mother’s health fails, and Hildy accepts a job near her childhood home, joining a team of scientists who will help restore her beloved Elwha River after the demolition of two century-old dams. There Hildy settles into one of the cabins on her family’s rustic resort—a place she both loves and dreads, for reasons she can’t fully explain.

When local artist Miranda Rimmer rents an adjacent cabin for her pottery studio, Hildy shrinks from such a close neighbor. But then Miranda’s carpenter brother, Luke, shows up to help with construction and captures Hildy’s attention. Now a few years beyond a tragedy that brought him to his knees, Luke recognizes a kindred soul in Hildy, and they build a relationship that dismantles the walls Hildy’s built to keep people out. As troubling pieces of the past surface, Hildy dares to wonder if she can banish the shadows that have burdened her and follow her river’s course to freedom.

A compelling story of forgiveness, redemption, and overcoming painful secrets that explores the beauty of the natural world

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher – Revell – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

She’s ready for adventure–isn’t she?

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she’s spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It’s the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she’s eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn’t as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain–and the bears–better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. But they’re not the only ones with an interest in the park’s most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

A clean, kisses-only contemporary romance and summer read by Suzanne Woods Fisher for wildlife, travel, and photography enthusiasts set in Grand Teton National Park.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 30 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK.

Carol Award Finalists – Debut + 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 2025 finalists are books published in 2024. 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 September 6 2025 at the ACFW Gala in Springfield, Missouri (wouldn’t you love to be there?!)

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2025 —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:

Debut Finalists

When Plans Go Awry by Denise M. Colby – Scrivenings Press – Editors: Linda Fulkerson and Regina Merrick – Giveaway options: US: ebook, Canada: paperback or ebook, International: ebook with a US Kindle account.

Olivia Carmichael escapes her past to be the next schoolmarm in the small ranching community of Washton, California. Her plan? Live a quiet spinster life, alone, never to depend on anyone ever again.

Luke Taylor selected a mail-order bride, a necessity to help raise his two younger sisters, and the only way he knew to protect his heart. His plans don’t include being responsible for the beautiful new schoolmarm, who threatens his resolve between his need to stay away and his need to be near to make sure she stays safe.

Along the way, neither feel much in control of their circumstances. Olivia’s carefully laid-out plans are challenged at every turn. Luke’s mail-order bride is not what he expected.
Will Luke and Olivia learn to trust God’s plan for their lives?

CORE Deception by Jeremiah Friedli – Indie – Editors: Jon Tilton and Jeanette Windle – Giveaway options: US: ebook, Canada: unavailable, International: ebook with US Kindle account.

In a world where the government’s CORE systems see and track everyone, seventeen-year-old hacker Seth Alvarez is determined to save his sister from being placed in a reeducation facility. Armed with a cryptic letter, Seth embarks on a search for the valuable incognito devices—cyber master keys that can set his sister free. But with only three weeks remaining, he finds himself wedged between two powerful forces who will stop at nothing to get the devices first.

Protector by Megan Schaulis – White Crown Publishing – Editors: Janelle Leonard and Marisa Stokely – Giveaway options: US and Canada: ebook, International: ebook with US Kindle account.

As the orphaned daughter of a traitor, Novalise grew up in hiding with an outlawed religious group hated by the Crown. She dreams of aiding her people as a scientist and begs her overprotective brother for a chance to assist in his schemes against the government. All her hopes of making a difference implode when she’s kidnapped and forced to compete against the Enhanced—a group of highly trained, biologically upgraded young women—for a position as the king’s Protector.

Plagued by insomnia, King Zadien is still reeling from his father’s untimely death. When his council suggests a competition as the way to choose his new bodyguard, he lacks the confidence to oppose the plan. Given the role he played in his father’s murder, choosing the right Protector could mean relieving his guilt or repeating his worst mistakes. Can he trust the intriguing and beautiful candidate who’s nothing like the others?

After discovering a long-hidden connection between the Enhanced and her father, Novalise realizes winning the competition would give her people the strategic advantage they desperately need. But is that leverage worth compromising herself, body and soul?

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 16 2024. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK.