Category: Conversations with Kav

The Olympic Readathon Bingo stats have picked up over the last couple of week (heads up — one more week until the deadline – Feb 26 midnight EST) and I’ve discovered that I’m really getting a bibliophile thrill over what you’ve all been reading. It’s like a guilty pleasure every time I get an email. And you’re introducing me to new authors and titles I’ve never even heard of which is all kinds of fun! Yay for growing my Wishlist because…really, can a wish list ever be too long?! And sometimes I’m bouncing up and down because you’ve read a book that I have loved or you remind that oh, yeah, I have had that book on my TBR for a while now too!

I so appreciate random acts of book sharing! They often lead me to literary gems I likely would have passed over otherwise. I’m reading one of those right now – A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro by Heather Norman Smith. I don’t know who recommended it — whether it came out of a Bingo discussion or another conversation day or Reader’s Choice Week – but whoever you are -THANK YOU! This is the book I didn’t know I needed. And definitely one I wouldn’t have picked up on my own. Not a romance (gasp) at least, not yet anyway, but I’m so invested in these characters! And the plot and the setting….I’m just…enchanted!

So, today I thought it would be fun to share what we’re reading and I’ve added a giveaway twist so listen up:

The Giveaway:

1. Share the title and author of the book you are reading right now in a comment below
2. Include the title and author of another book that you don’t own but would love to add to your TBR. Book must already be available. If your name is drawn, that is the book you will win.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 28 2026.

Let’s talk!

I recently came across an instagram post ( books.on.the.grange) about publishing trends that I found really interesting so I thought I would share. The creators are a copyeditor and a former literary agent, so they’re in the know. They talk about the rapid changes in the publishing industry and I have to say, some points really surprised me and some just made me plain sad. But there’s good news too so here’s the scuttlebutt!

Slashed Library Budgets Across the US.

I’ve noticed this in Canada too. I’ve heard of a number of library systems both in the US and Canada that have cancelled Hoopla (which makes me wanna weep) and in my public library, new additions to Libby have been cut back quite a bit, especially the audio books. (Cue the soundtrack of me weeping.)

Print books are still being ordered – just not as many. I’m guessing the higher price of books, paper, production etc. is the culprit. And that makes sense – library budgets haven’t increased at the same rate as the cost of book production. I’m still so grateful for the books I’m able to check out from my library. I have over thirty out right now so it’s not like I’m left with nothing to read!

Increasing Book Bans – Especially for Children’s Books

This is definitely a controversial topic though not unexpected. Personally, I am not a supporter of book bans. Libraries provide material to meet the needs of all their patrons, and that means they have a mandate to offer a wide cross section of books. They should not be forced to narrow down their collection in order to meet the criteria of a small subset of patrons. Easy enough for all of us to pick and choose what we want to read and just ignore the rest.

School libraries are a bit trickier. I was a school librarian for twenty odd years – elementary schools along with a few years in the school board’s Central Library. A common sense approach to collection development can head off a lot of headaches. But again, the collection should reflect the community it serves and that sometimes means controversy but it shouldn’t automatically mean book banning.

Middle Grade Books are Being Scaled Back

I find this rather alarming! Understandable though when you look at the first two points – library cuts and book bans. Sadly that’s making publishers wary. And there’s a move towards more graphic novels, which I find kinda sad.

More Investment in Adult Books

This really surprised me. There seems to be a resurgence of interest in reading in our adult populations. Yay! In fact some children’s authors are being encouraged to switch to writing for adults! I find this partly encouraging – yay for more adults getting back into reading – but yikes, who will be our future adult readers if we’re cutting back on books for our younger readers?

Increases in Printing Costs

Tariffs and inflation affect every aspect of book production which makes publishers more risk adverse. I’ve definitely noticed less new releases per publishing house when we make up our Reader’s Choice Week wish lists! I’ve also noticed that some publishers are skipping the print editions altogether and only publishing ebook and audio.

Overall, Author Advances are Lower

That doesn’t directly affect us as readers, but I hate to think of authors not being fairly compensated for the amount of work they put into their novels. Plus, if they can’t make a decent wage with their writing they might have to spend more time earning money to support themselves which means fewer books down the road for us! (Is that a selfish take or what?!

AI is clogging up Agents’ inboxes!

This one kinda stuns me. Apparently so many AI generated queries are being sent to agents that it’s taking valuable time to weed through them all. Most publishing houses have anti-AI policies (as they should!) so it’s taking some effort to filter out the AI content submissions. Which is discouraging and must be so frustrating for them! And potential authors waiting for a reply to their genuine manuscripts!

More Indie Books are Converting to Traditional Publishing

This one is another surprise. I would have thought it would be the opposite since traditional publishers are releasing fewer books. It seems they are looking for a sure thing so they are scoping out popular indie authors and signing them up. Makes sense, I guess, since those authors already have an online presence and if they’ve made enough of a name to be noticed by a big publishing firm, then they will come with a huge following which would be a marketing dream.

Big Publishers are Investing in Christian Publishing

Gobsmacked! Whaaattt???? Good news for us because some of the big publishers are expanding their Christian imprints, increasing new titles each year! Exciting to think that we readers are making a difference in the industry just by buying Christian Fiction (or requesting it for our libraries.) Woohoo!

Indie Bookstores are making a comeback!

This is really exciting. Unexpected, but exciting. I actually have two indie bookstores fairly close to me. One is within walking distance (well 30 minutes) and the other is a short bus ride a way. They are both fairly new – The Spaniel’s Tale is about five years old and Westboro Books is maybe two. I honestly thought one of them wouldn’t survive because they are pretty close. Just two neighbourhoods away from each other in an urban setting. But they both have unique spins on marketing and different focuses so they kind of compliment each other too. US indie bookstores have actually increased by 70% in the last five years! That’s amazing!

Film Adaptations Galore

There are a ton of popular fiction being adapted for the big screen and TV. In fact, it seems like books are being used as the inspiration for quite a lot of film creations which is all kinds of exciting (as long as they stick to the plot!!!!)

Lots of conversational talking points here so feel free to chime in with your thoughts in the comments! I look forward to chatting with you!

‘Tis that time of year when a young (or old) reader’s fancy turns to books…well, technically, that’s all the time…but today we’re going to celebrate the love of all things bookish in honour of St. Valentine’s Day with a:

Valentine’s Day Book Tag and Giveaway

To participate in the giveaway simply answer one or two (or as many as you want) Book Tag questions in a comment. You’ll be entered in a draw for either a Baker Book House or Amazon gift card (value $10). US and Canada entries only. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 14 2026.

1. First book crush
2. A book you love that no one else is talking about.
3. Standalone book you love
4. Favourite Love Triangle
5. Favourite Book Couple
6. Book that other people love but you don’t.
7. A book that depicts a favourite romance trope.
8. This year’s Valentine’s Day Read

First Book Crush

It’s a tie — between Gilbert Blythe and Jim Frayne. I started reading both series at the same time and discovered the wonders of book boyfriends.

Is it weird that I still get swoony when I look at these images of Trixie Belden and Jim Frayne? I think if I had to choose between Gilbert and Jim, I’d have to pick Jim. And now I need to reread some of my Trixie Belden books!

A Book I Love That No One Else is Talking About

This book never got the attention it deserved. My first experience with WhiteCrown Publishing and I was impressed. Still get twitterpated when I think about it!

Standalone Book I Love

I’ve been meaning to revisit this one too. Might even have been my first Christian Fiction rom/com!

Favourite Love Triangle

No. Just. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Favourite Book Couple:

Way too many to pick just one but I’ll say Freddie and Grace because I recently read The Juliet Code and am gearing up to read The Highland Heist. They’re just such a great couple and since it’s a five book series, we’re given ample time to really bond with them. Love how Pepper Basham has kept their romance alive in every book. Fun to see a happily ever after play out.

Book That Other People Love and You Don’t

A Book That Depicts a Favourite Romance Trope

Not sure if magical realism is considered a trope, but I love it! This book was such a great surprise.

This Year’s Valentine’s Day Read:

Been on my TBR for awhile. I read the second book (St. Patrick’s Day) first and it’s time I got around to this one. Plus — woohoo, hockey hero so it counts for the Olympics Readathon!

You’re turn. Let’s get the conversation started!

Have you heard about ’26 in 26′? It’s been making the rounds on booktube and bookstagram. The challenge is to select 26 books you want to read in 2026. Easy peasy, right? Ha! I thought so, until I tried to pare down all my potential candidates. I was well over a hundred titles and the list kept growing…basically everything on my wishlists past and present made it onto the list!

Obviously, I needed a new selection strategy (and the ability not to take myself so seriously!) So I eliminated all the 2026 releases and targeted books already on my physical TBR, or on my audible wishlist, or library holds shelf. Still way too many books, so I added all the titles to a random generator wheel and let the fates decide the 26 books I will for sure read in 2026! And here they are :

1. The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen (this has been on my physical TBR for forever!!!)
2. There Goes the Groom by Esther Hatch (same…been on my TBR for a couple of years.)
3. The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham (have to get current before the final Freddie & Grace book releases later this year!)
4. No Stone Unturned by Jennelle Hovde (debut novel with rave reviews…what is taking me so long?)
5. Loving Lieutenant Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden (finishing this series has been in my goals for the past three years!)
6. Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder (she’s a read-to-zero author this year)
7. Charming Artemis by Sarah M. Eden
8. Where Stillness Speaks by Cheryl Sterkenberg

1. The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh (this has been my most checked out library book and yet I haven’t read it yet!)
2. An Irish Kiss by Carolyn Miller (going to be a St. Patrick’s Day read this year!)
3. Wedding at Sea by Melissa Tagg (I have to finish this series!!!!!)
4. Planning for Nick by Tasha Hackett (I’m waiting for the audio book)
5. Honeysuckle Breeze by B.R. Goodwin (loved the first book in this series and now all the books are out.)
6. Meet Me in Virginia by Elizabeth Camden
7. But He’s My One Regret by Gracie Ruth Mitchell (the last book I need to read in order to finish the series!)
8. The Tangled Tale of the Woolgathering Castoffs by Sharon J. Mondragon (loved the first book!)

1. Daniel’s Oil by Urcelia Teixeira (this whole series beguiles me and I’ve only read the first book.)
2. On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley (to finish the series!)
3. Through Water and Stone by Karen Barnett
4. Crossed Off by C.C. Warrens (the content in this one scares me!)
5. The Glass-Bottom Boat by Laura Thomas
6. Burying the Evidence by K.T. Lee (and a series will be complete!)
7. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Peggy Rothschild
8. Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap

1. Nightfall in the Garden of Time by Tracy Higley (look at me being brave with a speculative fiction on my list!)
2. Wishtress by Nadine Brandes (I have earnestly engaged in not reading this book for two years now! It’s time!!!!)

Now it’s your turn: (and the Giveaway)

Let’s talk. Are you interested in creating your own ’26 in 26′ TBR list? What books would wind up on it? Share the title and author of one book that you would like to read in 2026 (must be Christian Fiction and already published) in a comment, and, if your name is drawn, that’s the book you will win.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 7 2026.

Eeeepp!!! I’m so excited! ‘Tis the season for this decidedly non sports fan to get a little addlepated over the Olympics. I know, it makes no sense, but I’m all in when it comes to Olympic sports. Figure Skating is my favourite but I become a bit obsessed with all the Olympics coverage and willingly watch anything (well, except hockey …gasp, I know, and me a Canadian, but we just won’t talk about that. Shhhhh!)

So, anyway, I thought it would be fun to get into the spirit of the Games with a Reading Challenge. This one will last from January 26 2026 – February 26 2026. Prizes awarded – Gold, Silver and Bronze (of course) See the end of this post for those details. First off, here’s the Olympics Readathon Board:

And just for fun, I’m adding in two BONUS categories, each worth 5 extra points. They are:

• Ice Hockey – read a book with a hockey theme, or at least one hockey scene (as spectator or player.)
• Italy – read a book set in Italy (at least part of the time) to celebrate the location of the 2026 Winter Olympics!

How to play (and have a chance to win):

• Bingo runs from Monday January 26 2026 Thursday February 26 2026 (midnight EST)
• Read a book that fits a prompt (or prompts) to fill in a square (or squares)
• So yes, that means, one book could fit multiple prompts.
• 8 chances at a Bingo – 3 rows across, 3 rows down, 2 diagonal rows
• Your name will be entered into a draw every time you get a Bingo (so the potential for 8 times)
• Bonus round: Fill your entire card to have your name entered 5 more times 
• EXTRA BONUS PROMPTS: Ice Hockey and Italy, both are worth 5 extra points
• Once you’ve achieved a Bingo, submit the prompts and corresponding books to me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. using BINGO in the subject field
• Technically, you have until midnight EST February 26 to submit all your entries, but it would be easier on me to have them trickling in throughout the month.
• Winner will be announced on Saturday February 28 2026

Gold Medal – US – $20 Baker Book House gift card, Canada – $20 Amazon gift card – Medalist will be chosen from all Blackout entries. Names will be added to the Random Wheel of Names Spinner (one entry for every point earned) in the order I receive the entries. Then the spinner does the hard work of choosing the winner.

Silver Medal – US – $15 Baker Book House gift card, Canada – $15 Amazon gift card – Names will be added to the Random Wheel of Names Spinner (one entry for every point earned) in the order I receive the entries. Then the spinner does the hard work of choosing the winner.

Bronze Medal – US – $10 Baker Book House gift card, Canada – $10 Amazon gift card. Names will be added to the Random Wheel of Names Spinner (one entry for every point earned) in the order I receive the entries. Then the spinner does the hard work of choosing the winner.

• Nordic Combined – a book featuring mixed genres (like history and mystery) OR a dual timeline novel
• Speed Short Track Skating – a novella (can be just one in a collection) OR a short novel (under 300 pages.)
• Luge – ‘Luge’ yourself in a good book 🙂 – a novel that carries you away from reality for awhile.
• Biathlon – 2nd book in a series – this could literally be the second book in a series OR the second book you have read in a series (even if it’s #4) Hope that makes sense.
• Curling – Curl up with a book that has been on your TBR since last year. This should be a book you actually own either in physical form or audio or Kindle, but just haven’t gotten around to read it yet.
• Skeleton – Read a Mystery, Suspense or Thriller. For those of you who don’t read suspense, another genre that features a mystery as part of the plot would work as well.
• Snowboard – a book that has snow on the cover or features at least one snowy scene
• Cross-Country Skiing – a book that includes a journey, the physical kind. It could be a cross-country adventure or just one trip in the middle of the book or even a hero or heroine who is travelling somewhere else to start over (as long as there’s a travelling scene at the beginning of the story.)
• Ski-Jumping – A book that gets your heart racing – could involve a swoon worthy hero or a high-speed chase or romance with a Gothic vibe etc.
• And don’t forget the two BONUS PROMPTS (see above, just under the Bingo card.)

Phew! I think that’s everything. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments. Let the Games Begin!

I think it’s fair to say we all have strong preferences when it comes to the kind of books we read. Likes and dislikes vary with every reader but occasionally some topics can actually do emotional harm to a vulnerable reader. Triggering subject matter like grief, addiction, abuse, cancer, violence, darker themes in suspense novels to name just a few. Triggers are as unique and numerous as there are readers!

Lately I’ve noticed an increase in trigger warnings offered by both authors and reviewers which seems like a kind, helpful thing to do. Warning off sensitive readers can be beneficial…except those same triggers often become spoilers which can actually ruin the reading experience by revealing too many plot points. Such a conundrum!

For example, let’s say you’re reading a contemporary romance and the author skillfully, slowly and deliberately reveals what’s behind the hero’s grumpy attitude. We won’t know his whole story until we’re well into the book….unless ‘grief’ has been listed as a trigger warning. That would be a spoiler for me.

Or how about a woman’s fiction novel about estranged sisters coming together to clear out the family cottage after their parents’ death. The author digs deep into the emotional dynamics of these adult women and the reasons they grew apart. It will take the whole novel to come to grips with everything each sister has dealt with on their own and that’s the thrill of the read….except if you read the list of triggers ‘miscarriage, addiction, domestic violence’ before you open the book!

So, I’m curious about your thoughts on trigger warnings vs spoilers. Do you post triggers in your reviews? Can you think of a way to include triggers without giving away spoilers? Or are there times you think it’s more important to post a trigger warning even if it gives away key plot points? Do you look for triggers before choosing a book?

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Let’s get the discussion started. Share your thoughts in a comment below to be entered in a draw to win a $10 Baker Book House gift e-card (US) OR a $10 Amazon gift e-card (Canada). Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 24 2026.

The start of the year is the perfect time to cozy up for a nice bookish chat, don’t you think? Okay, I know some of you are way farther south than I am, or in another hemisphere entirely and are experiencing record heat levels, but, for today, let’s pretend you’re up here with me in the chilly, very snowy North. That way we can gather around an enchanting fire and sip some hot cocoa (or lemon ginger tea with a splash of honey if you prefer) and talk bookish hot topics.

Books vs Audio Books

Who knew that my social media feed would be rampant with controversial bookish chats in January? It started with the heated debate over whether audio books should count as reading. I’m still gobsmacked that there is a very opinionated faction among the larger reading community who are adamantly opposed to considering audiobooks as actual reads! I mean…whhaaaattttt?

I was encouraged by the pushback these naysayers received and moved by the myriad of heartfelt stories about the difference listening to audiobooks made in readers’ lives. I know first hand how audio books have provided distraction and encouragement in my battle with chronic pain. And isn’t listening to a book while engaged in other activities a mood boost? I’ll never do housework without audio accompaniment again! Or tedious garden tasks like weeding! Don’t know how I survived before audio books!

So, what do you think? Audio books – yay or nay? And do you think they should be counted as books read in a Good Reads Challenge?

Category Romances don’t count

Think Love Inspired or Love Inspired Suspense or Harlequin Heartwarming. Again, there are well, literature snobs I guess, who don’t consider these novels to be legitimate reading material. Critics can be quite scornful not only of the books, but of their readers. I’m like, seriously, aren’t there more important things in this world to worry about than whether folks are spending their time reading a category romance as opposed to a 600 page literary tome?!

Opinions? I know my Love Inspired Suspense giveaways aren’t as popular as other books but I’m hoping just because this genre niche isn’t your cup of tea that you don’t look down on those of us who do enjoy them?

Books under 400 pages don’t count either

Seriously, the same literature snobs think that longer somehow makes a book more valid! Most of the books I read are in the 300 – 400 page range. I find that’s the perfect pacing for me, though, of course, I’ll read longer books if the story warrants those extra words. I don’t have patience for authors who extend their word count with excessive flowery descriptions, or copious unnecessary scenes that don’t propel the plot forward. Maybe it’s because I mostly read romance and I figure if a hero and heroine can’t get their act together within 400 pages then they need to go to therapy and try again later! Bwahahaha!

How about you? Do you worry about word count? Make specific goals to read very looonnnggggg books? (That’s a thing on booktube.)

If you read over a hundred books in a year, you aren’t a serious reader!?

Seriously, I had no idea reading could be so controversial! But yes, those same literature snobs maintain that people who read over one hundred books in a year can’t possibly comprehend, retain or appreciate what they read. I can only speak to my experiences so here we go:

I read a lot (and I include audiobooks in my book count) and I feel that it’s been reading time well spent. Do I remember every detail of every story? Not always…but, hey, that’s what rereads are for, right? And I’d challenge any reader to give a detailed accurate recall of a book they read ten years ago.

Plus, I think we have to look at lifestyle as well. I live alone and have a medical condition that restricts how much I can do. I have a three hour daily activity threshold before my pain levels spike to a point that will take hours to bring back down, so I spend a lot of time at home. Alone. Not a huge TV or movie fan (though I am dedicated to some British murder mystery series) so what’s a reader to do but read? 🙂 Then I share what I read on this blog (or Good Reads if it’s a cozy mystery) so in away, my reading is my job too. Love the motivation blogging gives me and the readerly fellowship here so that’s a huge mood booster for this not-quite-shut-in. Talk about appreciating books and reading!

Any thoughts on this controversial subject (at least, I think it’s controversial!)

New Year, New Reads Giveaway

Share a thought or two in the comments below and you’ll be entered in a draw to win a:

US – $10 Baker Book House ecard

Canada – $10 Amazon ecard

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 17, 2026

I belonged to a tight-knit group of school librarians and we always gathered together for a little festive party close to Christmas. We were an eclectic group with rather bookish ideas about what made a great party entertainment. Things like gathering at someone’s house and watching a book adaptation, reading snippets of Christmas scenes from favourite books, sharing holiday picture books and sourcing all kinds of word games to bring out our competitive natures. Two industrious librarians even created a kid’s lit trivial pursuit game. Oh…and I can’t forget the year we played Family Feud with the participants acting as fictional families from actual novels. Sigh. I can’t believe I am admitting all this in public. So yes, we were all book nerds and proud of it. 🙂

So, today I thought it would be fun to share one of those word games. It’s a simple matter of identifying the Christmas Carol / Song by the rather unorthodox wordy clue. Some are pretty easy and others are head scratchers. Of course, there will be a giveaway, so check for details at the end of this post. 🙂

If you’d like to play – note the number and your translation in a comment below. As people guess correctly, I’ll add those answers to this list so we will all be enlightened by the end of the day (hopefully)

GUESS THE CHRISTMAS CAROLS!

1. Approach Everyone Who Is Steadfast – O Come All Ye Faithful
2. Ecstasy Toward the Orb – Joy to the World
3. Listen, the Foretelling Spirits Harmonize – Hark the Herald Angels Sing
4. Hey, Minuscule Urban Area Southwest of Jerusalem – O Little Town of Bethlehem
5. Quiescent Nocturnal Period – Silent Night
6. The Autocratic Troika Originating Near the Accent of Apollo – We Three Kings of Orient Are
7. The Primary Carol – The First Noel
8. Embellish the Corridors – Deck the Halls
9. I Apprehended My Maternal Parent Osculating with a Corpulen, Unshaven Male in Crimson Disguise – I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
10. I’m Fantasizing Concerning a Blanched Yuletide – I‘m Dreaming of a White Christmas
11. My Singular Desire For the Impending Yuletide Season is Receipt of a Pair of Central Incisors – All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth
12. During the Time Ovine Caretakers Supervised Their Charges Past Twilight – While Shepherds Watch Their Flock by Night
13. Celestial Messengers From Splendid Empires – Angels from the Realms of Glory
14. The Event Occurred at One Minute aFter 11:59 – Visibility Unlimited – It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
15. The Coniferous Nativity – O Christmas Tree
16. What Offspring Abides Thus? – What Child is This?
17. Removed in a Bovine Feeding Trough – Away in a Manger
18. Creator Cool It Ya Kooky Cats – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
19. Seraphim We Aurally Detect in the Stratosphere – Angels We Have Heart On High
20. Valentino, the Roseate Proboscissed Wapati – Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
21. Father Christmas Approaches the Metropolis – Santa Claus is Coming to Town
22. Ag Glockenspiels – Silver Bells
23. The Slight Percussionist Lad – The Little Drummer Boy
24. Ornament the Enclosure With Large Sprigs of a Berry Bearing Evergreen – Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
25. Anticipation of this Noel’s Memento’s; Nil – I’m Getting nothin’ for Christmas
26. The Approach of the Holiday Commemorating the Birth of Christ is Becoming Evident – It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
27. A Meterological Melody is Manifest – There’s a Song in the Air
28. The Yuletide’s Diurnal Dozen – The 12 Days of Christmas
29. Please Permit Pristine Precipitation – Let it Snow
30. ‘Rimey’, the Mannequin of Crystalline H2O – Frosty the Snowman
31. Our Desire is Your Yuletide Cheer – We Wish You a Merry Christmas
32. Aged Matriarch Plowed Under by Precipitous Darlings – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
33. Are You Experiencing Parallel Auditory Input? – Do You Hear What I Hear?
34. Endeavor to personally experience singular, minuscule Yule! – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

Participate in the name the Christmas Carol game OR share a Christma tradition you enjoy during this festive season in a comment and you’ll be entered in a draw for a:

$15 gift card – Baker Book House for US winner, Amazon or Indigo for Canadian winner

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 20 2025

We all know that I am a self-confessed cover snob, but did you know that I am just as opinionated about book titles? It makes sense, in a way, since both title and cover make up a reader’s first impression. Some titles entice me immediately, while others leave me indifferent, confused, even cringing. So I thought it would be fun to chat about our title preferences because I’m sure I’m not the only reader with opinions! 🙂 And stick around to the end for the giveaway announcement.

My Title Dislikes

(Titles used as examples are made up by me, any similarities to real titles of published works is completely coincidental)

Titles that list every trope in the book:

The Billionaire’s Second Chance at Love : Fake Dating His Secret Baby’s Mama

I get that the author/publisher is trying to grab a reader’s attention to make a sale BUT surely they understand that we know how to read a synopsis on the back of the book or online? If you want to emphasize tropes, make them a tag line at the beginning or end of the synopsis and get more creative with the title!

Titles that read like a review:

Millicent Finally Gets Her Man : a well-written, emotionally gripping love story featuring an enemies to more romance guaranteed to stir your heart and curl your toes.

Talk about oversell! If an author has to 5 star review a book in the title, it’s immediately downgraded in my mind. I’m assuming the intention is to make a sale, but it has the opposite effect on me. I wouldn’t even give the back book blurb a chance! ( I know, I’m such a title snob!)

Titles that read like a synopsis:

Lad, a stray dog searches for a family all his own and along the way helps a mother cat find her lost kitten only to discover that her humans might be the right furever family for him as well.

Bwahahaha! My example is a bit (!) extreme, but I’m sure you’ve all seen titles that tell way too much. This would be an automatic no go for me even though I love dogs and the premise of the story is appealing…just not as a title!

Series that have books will similar titles.

Book One: Heat, Book Two: Scorch, Book Three: Burn

I can totally accept that this is unique to Kav issue, but when a series has similar titles, especially when paired with similar cover art, I always get confused and can’t remember which one I’ve read. So, when I’m browsing online or at the library I’ll often bypass these books, promising myself I’ll check my records later but I usually forget. 🙂

My Title Likes

Pun-y titles

Owl’s Well That Ends Well (actual title in the Meg Langslow series)

One of the delights of cozy mystery reading are all the pun-y titles. So many wonderful options and I’m amazed that authors/publishers are still creating new ones!

Along that line – titles that play on words, especially when they are a twist on classic literature

Sense and Suitability (actual title!)

So clever! It immediately draws me in and I start to wonder how the author is going to reimagine elements from a well-loved story.

A title that’s intriguing on it’s own but once you’ve read the book, you realize how aptly it suits the story.

Hearts in Circulation (actual title!)

Librarian heroine with a bookmobile finds romance on the road. 🙂 This is one of my favourite titles because it matches the story perfectly and there’s hidden layers that fit too!

A title that sparks my imagination

Forgotten

When I read a book with a title like this my mind goes all over the place. What is forgotten? Does the heroine feel forgotten? Does a main character have amnesia? Is there a mystery around something that has been forgotten? A character with dementia? A family history that needs to be uncovered? So many directions the story could take and I want to be in at the very start!

Giveaway Opportunity:

US – paperback or ebook

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible (if available)

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

Time to put your thinking caps on and share your title likes and dislikes in a comment or email (kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca) but this time, add in the intriguing title of a book you would like to win if your name is drawn. Books must be Christian Fiction and already published.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 6 2025