Category: Conversations with Kav

Have you heard of Amish in April? It’s a readathon created by book tuber Lizzie Faye Loves Books and cohosted by The Bookish Knitter. The focus of the readathon is exactly what the title indicates – reading Amish Fiction in April.

Preparing my TBR for the readathon got me thinking about the this genre and the changes I’ve noticed over the last few years. Like there seems to be fewer Amish books releasing within the Christian Fiction umbrella but rather publishing with general market companies like Kensington.

Now this might be controversial but it feels like some of the new authors/publishers jumped into the genre at the height of its popularity to cash in on the sales. I kept finding huge irregularities in the Amish culture and faith in these books. One actually featured an Old Order Amish heroine helping with wedding preparations – deciding what flowers to pick for the bouquet, who would hold the rings during the service, the frustrations of trying to find bridesmaid dresses to flatter every figure…um, if you read Amish fiction you get what’s wrong here.

And don’t get me started on the ‘spicy’ Amish Romances that I’ve occasionally run across at my public library. Nothing’s quite as shocking as bringing home what you think is going to be a sweet Amish romance only to discover…well, it’s not.

You might have noticed that I didn’t dedicate a specific day for Amish Fiction this past Reader’s Choice Week. Mostly because I wanted to fit all of RC into one week but also because I feel like Amish Fiction just isn’t as popular as it used to be with comparatively fewer books releasing in this genre. I did find some promising titles though, so I thought I’d share them here ( in case your TBRs aren’t padded enough after last week.)

The book that really intrigues me is Amy Lillard’s The Secrets We Keep – an Amish adjacent mystery. The hero is a former Amish police detective and the Amish heroine was once his sweetheart. Have no idea how the romance will be resolved…or even if it is…but the mystery sounds really intriguing. And Amazon has it tagged as Science Fiction Crime & Mystery. Whhhhhhaaaaaattttttt??????? It’s published by Crooked Lane Books which publishes a lot of the cozy mysteries I read.

So, how about you? Are you an Amish Fiction reader? If not, were you ever? If so, what made you fall out of love with the genre? And if you’re a diehard fan – who are some of your favourite authors?

This week’s conversation will be short and sweet since I’m going into pre-Reader’s Choice Week frenzy mode 🙂 Plus, today is my church’s General Meeting so church is going to be loooonnnng. Service first then a potluck lunch, then the GM, then kitchen clean up.

I was thinking about the sources I use to find out about books — specifically upcoming books and new-to-me authors, particularly Indies. I’ve shared about Closed Door Romance on instagram which has been such a wealth of information for me. And about the Christian Faith and Fiction YouTube channel and blog. Lou has just released a very comprehensive list of April releases which is pertinent to this weeks festivities. Here’s the link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOQEvwDG5xw

or, if you would just like to read the list from her blog: https://louallenwriter.wordpress.com/2025/03/20/new-christian-fiction-books-releasing-in-april-2025/

Australian author Narelle Atkins has started a YouTube channel /podcast. She reviews one book each week – on Thursdays. Love her reviews, they are comprehensive and thoughtful and full of interesting insights without spoilers. They are short and sweet — no more than 15 minutes. Here’s the link (and don’t be shy about subscribing to boost her new channel) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPpDvzKb9No.

Narelle also has a blog and every Friday she features a Preorder Roundup with a list of soon to be releases and includes a lot of indie books. Here’s the link to the most recent one: https://www.narelleatkins.com/narelles-preorder-roundup-3-14-25/?utm_source=sendfox&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=narelle-atkins-march-newsletter

So, I thought it would be fun and ever so helpful if you could share any great book sources that you routinely check to keep up to date with all that’s going on in our corner of the Book World. Don’t try to post a link — WP comments won’t like it, but do give us enough information that we can find it in a google search.

Here’s to another productive Reader’s Choice Week!

True Confession: I’m a cover snob. I’ve been known to ignore a book because I didn’t like the cover. Shallow, I know, but cover eye candy is part of what draws me to a book. A few weeks ago, Tracey mentioned older books getting makeovers – kind of a new and improved rebirth of an older title — and how she much preferred the book’s original cover. And that’s what got us thinking that this might be a fun Conversations with Kav topic so, here we are! Plus, I want to talk about overall cover appeal. What we love. What we don’t. What sells and what sends us running screaming out of the bookstore. 🙂

First: the book Tracey mentioned liking the original cover better than the ‘new and improved.’

I like the Original cover too. As far as makeovers go, this one isn’t bad at all, but there’s something more dramatic about the original. I think the heroine’s personality shines through much better. She’s daring me to read her story.

Two series immediately came to mind when Tracey and I had a mini discussion in the comment section of that previous Sunday post. And I much, much, much, prefer the originals in both cases. So much so that I am ecstatic to have the originals in my collection. There just isn’t any contest, as far as I’m concerned. Here they are:

I’m going to be brutal here. I LOVE the original covers for both these series. They are vibrant and alive and so unique. Real standouts. The makeover covers are, well, blah. Like every other romantic comedy cover out there. And I don’t like how there’s less emphasis on the heroines. You can really get a feel for their personalities in the originals but you can barely see them in the new covers.

Why do authors / publishers reissue books with new covers?

The only reason I can think of is if an author gets the rights back to a traditionally published work and maybe there’s something in the contract that says they can’t market the original cover? But I’m just guessing. And that doesn’t explain why an indie author would switch covers. That must be a costly undertaking. Anyone have insider knowledge or other insights? Inquiring minds want to know. 🙂 There must be a marketing angle in here somewhere.

What do you like/dislike in a book cover?

• I like original. I love colour. Texture. Details. Something that creates an ambience to match the story.
• I definitely want to be able to read the author’s name on the cover.
• Bonus if it’s a series and that’s indicated along with the series number.
• I’d prefer a simple, nondescript cover to a poorly designed one. I totally understand that indie authors don’t have the finances to fund graphic artists or create cover photo shoots the way publishers can. BUT, simple is way better than an amateurish attempt to create cover art. (is my cover snob showing?!)
• I’m in the middle of the road about faceless covers. Don’t mind as much when the figures on in the distance, it’s a little more jarring when the whole cover is a faceless hero or heroine. 🙂 But it helps when there are other elements on the cover that hint at the story. I’m thinking of the Sweater Weather series with it’s bright colours and fall themes. Clearly, now that I think about it, I’m attracted to colour.
• I love the fashion on historical covers!
• And one thing I’m totally not a fan of is Disneyish cartoon covers. Like this one:

I feel like this should be the cover of a graphic novel for preteens. 🙂 Just not a fan. I’m wondering if it’s becoming a trend in order to attract new adult readers? By the way, this book is releasing in September and it’s set around a Regency themed singles retreat which sounds fantastic! Hopefully it will be available in audible so I won’t have to look at the cover. Bwahahaha!

Okay, now it’s your turn. Share your cover loves/hates and opinions in a comment below and I’ll put your name in a draw to win a $10 Baker Book House ecard.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 22, 2025.

We’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day a week early because I want to pick your bookish brains for Christian Fiction / Clean Fiction set in Ireland or with Irish main characters so I have something seasonal to read. 🙂

In case you didn’t know, I was born in Ireland and my family immigrated to Canada when I was a child. I’ve always felt a keen connection with my Irish roots so I love celebrating all things Irish during St. Patrick’s Day month. I found a St. Patrick’s Day book tag that I thought would be fun to share so here we go…

1. Irish Flag – Name a favourite book with a predominately green cover. Or…if you’re up to a challenge – a book cover with green, white and orange!

I had fun hunting through my bookshelves to find a book with all three colours of the Irish Flag and I found one! Trust me, the orange parts are orangier on the actual book. 🙂

2. Corned beef and cabbage – Name a book that made you hungry.

3. 4 Leaf Clover – a rare good luck book find. (And I feel I must add that 4 leaf clovers are a totally Americanized thing. It’s shamrocks in Ireland which have three leaves and were used by St. Patrick to explain the concept of the trinity (or so legend says.)

Eeeppp!!! Found this one recently on Chirp for $2.99!

4. Irish Jig – a book you loved so much it made you want to dance a jig!

Literally referred to happy dancing in the first line of my review. 🙂 And look — green, white and orange!

5. Ireland – a book that transported you to another place.

6. Pub – a book with a meeting place you’d love to hang out in.

The whole Hope Harbor series! And the place to meet up at is Charley’s of course!

7. Ceilidh (pronounced Kaylee) – a house party with crackin’ good music and traditional dancing. A group of characters you’d want to party with.

The whole Skymar series: these siblings/cousin and their signifiant others as well as all the secondary characters would be a hoot at a party!

8. Favourite St. Patrick’s Day themed book

Ta da! That was fun. And what would a St. Patrick’s Day celebration be without a leprechaun’s pot of gold? It comes in the form of a Giveaway, of course!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Answer one or more of the St. Patrick’s Day book tag questions

AND/OR

Leave a suggest for a book set in Ireland or with Irish characters — Christian Fiction or Closed Door please. I’ve read a few and I swear I’ve sourced ’em all out so let’s see if you might have something new-to-me I can read this year.

And your pot of gold? Why, a $10 Baker Book House e gift card – since books are our preferred currency here, right?!

Draw will be held and Winner announced on Saturday March 15 2025. Make the luck o’ the Irish be with you!

I’ve been thinking about Historical Fiction lately – specifically within the Christian Fiction genre. Thrilling over all the great reads out there but, also, lamenting a bit over the lack of variety offered when it comes to historical timelines.

And that got me wondering how authors and publishers go about deciding what’s hot…and what’s not…and how they predict which eras will be bestsellers. I mean, it’s a good two years between starting a book and finally getting it printed and available on bookshelves, so, what if that era is cooling off by release day?

Then I got to wondering if popular historical eras are only popular because that’s what is available to readers? And maybe publishers don’t realize we are a diverse group who might like variety in our fiction? And that includes settings away from North America for me. I guess I’m wondering if there’s a method to the madness that keeps some of my favourite historical time periods out of Christian Fiction.

Anyway — on to the conversational topic of the day. I have questions. You might have answers and, because we’re celebrating all things Historical today there’s a giveaway too. More about that at the end of this post, so keep your eyes peeled.

Historical Fiction Questions:

• What are your favourite Historical Fiction eras?
• What are your least favourite Historical Fiction eras?
• What Historical Era would you like to see more of in Christian Fiction?
• Oh — and will you follow a favourite author into an unfavourite era?

My Favourite Historical Fiction eras:

Regency. Really, is anyone surprised? I am addicted! Luckily it doesn’t look like it will go out of style any time soon. It’s easy to come by clean / closed door Regency Romances but a bit harder to find in the Christian Fiction genre. Laurie Alice Eakes comes to mind right away. She’s no longer writing in this genre but I have all of her Regencies on my keeper shelf.

And Julie Klassen too of course. Lady of Milkweed Manor was not only my first Christian Fiction Regency, but my first ever Christian Fiction Historical novel!

Depression era . These are harder to come by, but I’ve always been lured in by Depression era stories. I blame it on the Waltons and it’s idyllic down-home country charm! Sharlene Maclaren’ s River of Hope series is the perfect example of what I find so appealing in this timeline.

Late 1800s . Not sure why this time period appeals to me, maybe because things are starting to open up for women and there’s a bit more scope for independent heroines? Dawn Crandall has a fantastic series that I need to put on my reread list – The Everstone Chronicles. Four books that feature a complicated family – some brooding heroes, a hint of gothic flair and sinister subplots. Must refresh my acquaintance with the Everstones soon!

1700s – This time period doesn’t crop up that often and I usually think of Laura Frantz and Lori Benton as go to authors for this timeline BUT I recently came across Pam Hillman’s Natchez Trace series when I was organizing a book shelf and remembered how much I loved these books too. More books for my reread pile — and I’m thinking I should get to The Promise of Breeze Hill in March because there’s an Irish hero. Swoon!

My Least Favourite Historical Fiction Eras:

I’m almost afraid to say this but…the Civil War. I intensely disliked Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind and I’m afraid that experience has marred my enjoyment of this time period in fiction. 🙂 I will avidly avoid a Civil War era story with very few exceptions.

Also, the American Revolution. Not as unappealing to me as the Civil War, but not a huge interest for me either. Might be due to the fact that a lot of the historical books I read as a child and Young Adult were set during the Revolutionary War for some reason.

And Biblical Fiction isn’t hugely appealing to me either though I do make some exceptions and tend to like what I read in the genre but then still balk the next time one comes my way. I’m so contrary sometimes!

Historical Eras I’d like to see more of in my Christian Fiction:

• Depression era
• Middle Ages
• War of 1812 from the British side (Bwahaha)
• Vikings
• The Troubles in Northern Ireland
• Easter Uprising (Ireland)
• Australia colonies

Will I follow a favourite author into an unfavourite era?

Ugh…maybe…possibly? It would depend on the author. Like I would follow Irene Hannon anywhere! Otherwise maybe if the book included another genre or trope I really love — like a mystery mixed in with the history.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Answer any (or all) of these questions in a comment and include the title and author of a Christian Fiction Historical Novel set in one of your favourite eras and if your name is drawn, that’s the book you will win.

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.

Bibliotherapy started out as a creative arts approach to therapy. Using the power of the printed word and storytelling to help an individual process trauma or address difficult issues in their life. It has evolved over the years to also include the simple idea of indulging in an ‘escape read’ – literally getting away from reality for awhile by slipping into a fictional world (and isn’t that tempting these days?!)

Way back when I worked as a librarian at my school board’s Central Resource Centre, one of my jobs was to create bibliotherapy kits teachers could borrow when they were presented with a student, or students, dealing with a difficult situation. The kits were an age appropriate mix of fiction and non-fiction on various subjects like:

• grief (oddly specific ‘loss of a pet’ included)
• divorce
• blended families
• social anxiety
• shyness
• racism
• autism
• mental health issues
• cancer
• bullying

The teachers would share the books in a class setting and/or send some of them home with the child in need. The non-fiction books were great starting points for discussion but we found that fiction made the most transformative impact. Especially when a picture book or novel was shared with the whole class.

Example: A grade two child was exhibiting anti-social behaviour stemming from the upset of his parents’ recent divorce. The teacher selected picture books and short novels from our bibliotherapy kit to share with the whole class during their regular story times. The benefits were twofold: first, the student experiencing the upheaval of divorce in his family, saw himself in these stories. He wasn’t alone. Not only did he see himself in these stories, his friends did as well.

Which brings me to the second benefit: his classmates developed (and this really blew us all away) empathy for the boy who was upturning play areas or pushing and shoving in line etc. Instead of escalating the conflict, they demonstrated patience and understanding (these were seven year old kids!) Were the behaviour problems magically solved overnight? No. But they grew less frequent and didn’t escalate, largely because ‘Jonny’s classmates chose not to retaliate. Why? They understood that he was sad, that there was a reason behind his actions and they simply accepted that, which, in turn, calmed ‘Jonny’ down.

Why is this our conversational topic this week? Well, we’re all about the power of words, the power of story here at Best Reads. And did you know that reading fiction actually increases your capacity to empathize with others? Why? Because we live thousands of life experiences through our beloved fictional characters. Our brains actually emotionally connect to fictional experiences as if they were our own, increasing our understanding and the compassion we in turn, extend to others. Is that cool or what? And goodness, but we need a lot of that in this crazy, mixed up world.

So, I thought it would be fun to share some of the Christian Fiction books that have made a profound impact on us. Our faith, our understanding of an issue, a historical perspective or even provided a comforting escape from the rigours of our own lives.

I’m through being wordy, I promise! I’m going to share some ‘bibliotherapy’ topics along with a book that influenced me. I’d love it if you’d share a Christian Fiction book that touched you so I can increase my personal bibliotherapy list. Put it in a comment along with any thoughts you might have, and I’ll enter you in a draw for a $10.00 ecard from our fave CF resource : Baker Book House!

Giveaway Opportunity for anyone willing to shop at https://bakerbookhouse.com

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 1 2025.

Before we get started with the St. Valentine’s Day festivities, I have some great news! I can post reviews on Amazon again! I’ve been checking off and on over the past few months and suddenly, this week, it worked! Wonder if the bots heard me dissing them last week? 🙂 Anyway, that’s my good news…though I’m a bit peeved that they wouldn’t send me an email to say my community features had been reinstated. Lucky I kept checking!

I had fun searching my shelves and TBR pile for books with hearts on the cover or the word ‘love’ in the title for this week’s review lineup. It was harder than I thought it would be and I found more contemporary romances than historical which was interesting. So then I thought it would be even more fun to start the week off with…drumroll please….

BOOK LOVE TAG!

Tags are a Book Tube thing, where a booktuber creates a series of questions around a central theme and then tags other booktubers to participate by creating videos where they answer the questions. I discovered the Book Love Tag on Chautona Havig’s channel and thought I’d accept the tag challenge only do it on my blog.

Get ready to participate, ’cause if you answer one (or more) of the questions in a comment, I’ll enter you in a draw for a $10 Baker Book House Gift Card ’cause every reader’s Valentine’s Day should include new books, right?! So, here we go:

1. Friendship Love – name a book that includes a loving friendship
2. Sibling Love – name a book that features a strong sibling relationship
3. Parental or Guardian Love – name a book that has a main character who is a parent or guardian.
4. Pet Love – name a book that features a loyal pet or animal companion
5. Romantic Love – name a book that contains a swoonworthy romantic plot
6. Self-Love – name a book that includes the theme of self love (finding yourself, self acceptance, personal growth etc.)
7. Divine Love – name a book with a strong faith thread featuring a character who comes to understand God’s love for them.

There were so many different books I could have suggested for each question but I tried to stick with the one that came to mind first — and discounted my most recent reads to make it a little more challenging. Here are my answers:

I know the prompt didn’t mean a book featuring a friends to more trope but the friendship between this hero and heroine is so delightful. Everyone should have a bestie like one of these guys!

I could have picked any of the books in Sarah M. Eden’s Jonquil Brothers series because…these brothers!!!!!! What a swoonworthy lot! And in this book, shy quiet Corbin is earnestly coached on how to attract a lady’s attention. The brotherly banter and shenanigans are priceless! And now I think I have to reread the whole series.

Nicole is a single mother with the most precociously adorable child! Nicole is well intentioned but a bit too intense and serious while her love interest is the exact opposite. It’s the way the author fits Nicole’s motherhood into the story so seamlessly that makes this one so memorable for me.

There is a wolf with a very unique relationship with the heroine…and he’s very, very, very loyal!

Maverick heroine. Brooding hero. Mystery and romance. Fainting couch essential. Romantical bliss!

This is a tough read — the beginning is brutal (it deals with domestic violence quite graphically) but Leah’s growth – her journey towards discovering her worth and her value as a child of God is phenomenal.

January’s faith journey is funny and tender and angsty. So true to life and inspiring.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Now it’s your turn: What book would you pick for one (or more) of these categories? I’d love to add some more titles to my TBR list because…well, I don’t really have a good reason. There are too many titles on that list as it is, but, the more the merrier I say when it comes to books!

Leave a comment to be entered in the draw for a $10 e gift card with:

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 15 2025.

Hate to start out with a bit of a reality check, but here we go. With the onset of tariffs and the uncertainty around how that will affect both the Canadian and US economies (and the book and publishing industry specifically), I’m giving fair warning that giveaways on this blog will have to adapt. That means there might be fewer giveaways per week or more ebook giveaways or ecard giveaways instead of specific book giveaways. I’m just going to play it by ear week to week so it’s important for you to check the giveaway details (or lack of) each day.

What Giveaways Will Look Like:

A review that includes a giveaway will always include ‘+ Giveaway’ at the end of the title (see today’s title as an example.) If you don’t see the ‘+ Giveaway’ after the title, the post is just a plain ol’ review.

Another ‘giveaway’ indicator is the section in blue and red type that comes after the review. It starts out with ‘Giveaway Opportunity’ and includes specific details on the type of giveaway in RED. This is where you’ll want to pay particular attention to the editions available for where you live – US, Canada or International.

International giveaways are generally gently read paperbacks which I can mail anywhere in the world. Averages about one a week, sometimes more. It just depends on what I’ve been reading.

ebook giveaways are available to anyone with a US Amazon account OR to Canadians who will receive an Amazon.ca gift card for the amount of the ebook (because we can’t gift ebooks here. Strange, I know.)

Print book giveaways will usually be available to both US and Canadian readers BUT I’ve noticed the occasional waaaay over priced book up here. Recently spotted a current release that was $11.99 in the US and $34 here in Canada! Same company (Amazon) Now I know there’s a difference in our dollar value, but not that much!!! So sometimes print might not be an option in Canada. BUT Audible editions are depending on availability.

Sigh — I know this is kind of complicated and I’m sorry about that. I’ll try to make it as clear as I can for each Giveaway — just make sure to read the red print carefully so you know what you are entering for.

Author as Booksellers

This is me, seeking your wonderful collective knowledge as I look for alternatives to Amazon for giveaway books. They are still giving me a run-around about my reviews being ‘harassing’ etc. (insert eye-rolling emoji here) and I am steamed so I’m broadening by book buying horizons. Of course, I’ll still use them, especially for ebook giveaways, but I’ve noticed that more authors, especially indie authors, are starting up their own bookshops on their websites.

I just checked Becky Wade’s out and it seems straight forward and allows for gift buying which is an essential feature for me. But, of course, I have questions (because it’s Sunday and we need something to start the conversation going, right?!)

• Have you ever bought a book from an author’s website? If so, which author?
• Was there a credit card option? (I saw a few that featured some online thingy I’ve never heard of and assume it’s only available in the US so that wouldn’t work for me.)
• Did it have a gift option (as opposed to only delivering to the purchaser?)
• Did you feel like the transaction was secure?
• What was the delivery turn around like?
• Would you be open to giveaways coming from author stores even if it meant it would take longer for the book to reach you?

I know, a ton of questions, but I’d really love some input.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Leave a comment to be entered in a draw for a $10.00 Baker Book House gift ecard. Open to anyone, anywhere who is willing to shop at https://bakerbookhouse.com

True confession: I am a book nerd. Are you surprised? 🙂 I am absolutely NOT a tech nerd and tend to muddle through on the fringes of whatever site, programme etc. I’m engaged in. Technology has never been my jam and I doubt it ever will be. I almost believe that muddling through is my destiny but then, last week Perrianne asked a question about Good Reads and I thought — whoa, light bulb moment — we have this awesome resource right here within our bookish community!

So, this is me, shamelessly asking for HELP! from all you techie experts! If you can answer a question, please do (in the comments.) If you have a question, please ask in the comments and maybe someone will be able to answer it.

Good Reads

Last week, Perrianne mentioned this in her comment: ” I’d like to learn more about Goodreads and if I’m using it optimally.” This is totally me too! Right now my GR is a chaotic mess. I basically use it to track books read and to write reviews. And I click ‘want to read’ on books I’m interested in, but I’m not sure what good that does since I don’t know how to organize lists or folders so I can’t access that information.

• So, how do you use Good Reads?

• How do you find like minded readers to follow/friend? And for that matter, what is the difference between following someone and friending them?!

• And is there a way to merge all the different editions so that they all get marked ‘read’? I’m finding that books I know I’ve read are marked as read in only one edition (I guess the one I wrote the review for?) but if I search the title it often comes up as unread because the search turns up a different edition. Very confusing.

• Do you participate in any of the community groups? Would Good Reads be a good venue to do a book club chat on?

Good Reads Vs Story Graph

• Does anyone have experience with Story Graph? I’ve heard a lot of online chatter about readers moving over to Story Graph or at least trying it out. I’m curious about what the draw is and whether it’s worth joining. Any input appreciated.

Instagram

Okay, these questions is going to show how truly clueless I am but here goes….

• I often see people requesting others to share their post…but I don’t know how. I see the little paper plane icon but that just gives options to message or email, I think. Is there a way to forward someone’s post into my own…feed? Is that what it’s even called? Gah. Hope this makes sense.

• The other thing I see all the time is ‘go to link in my story or bio’…but where is that? I’ve clicked on the users name and get their ‘about me’ bit but there’s never a link. I’m so confused.

There have been a few topics on my mind over the last few weeks so I thought I’d make this first Conversational Sunday of the New Year a bit of a bibliophile randomness ramble. 🙂

Closed Door Romance

Harkening back to that lively conversation we had a couple of months ago, I wanted to share a really neat website and instagram account that features Closed Door Romances — most of them are indie published as well which is an extra bonus. Rachel has created a an incredible resource that’s too good not to share. Here’s the website: https://closeddoorromance.com

A few not-to-be-missed pages to checkout: Go to FAQ and click on the third question: What are the Physical Intimacy Levels? You’ll find an informative graphic that lays out in great detail, what kind of intimacy to expect in a Level One, Level Two or Level Three book. As the website creator, Rachel, says, there are different comfort levels even within the closed door community so she’s created this super helpful guide. Not only that, but then she went and created a database of authors where you can search not only by physical intimacy level preference but by language (as in swearing levels) as well.

Now go over to the Authors Database page. You can refine your search in all kinds of neat ways. First up; Swearing – from none up to moderate. Next Intimacy Level. And voila, you end up with a list of authors tailored to your reading tastes. But that’s not all! You can also modify your search by Availability (KU, audio etc.) as well as genre! And the list of authors includes Christian Fiction authors as well! How cool is that?!

She also has a wonderful instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/closeddoorromance/

She posts a lot of fantastic content – tons of book suggestions, sometimes by theme like fairy tale retellings. (eeeppp!) I always have my TBR notebook on hand when I’m browsing her instagram feed.

Christian Faith and Fiction

I started following this Christian Fiction blogger and Book Tuber last year and love her insightful reviews. She has also started rating books by their faith content which is really helpful. It’s a simple 1-3 system where 1 is low, perhaps mentions of going to church or that a character prayed and 3 is a fully fleshed out faith thread that is an intricate part of the story.

Lou is from Devon, England so it’s fun to see perspectives from someone not living in North America. Her reviews are concise and articulate, so if you are new to Book Tube and don’t fancy long, run-on videos, Christian Faith and Fiction is a great place to start.

Booktube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianFaithAndFiction

blog: https://louallenwriter.wordpress.com/about-me/

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianfaithandfiction/

Oops – we forgot to talk about our Reading Goals for the New Year!

I shared how I did on my 2024 Reading Goals but neglected to share my 2025 ones! All the hoopla around Reader’s Choice Week addled my brain, I guess. 🙂

This year I divided my goals into three categories and I’m trying to be more intentional about fulfilling them (as opposed to strictly reading on a whim and then seeing if a book fits into one of my goals.) I’m still leaving room for mood reading though, cause that’s just me.

Category One : Author Goals

• Indie
• Debut
• New-to-Me
• Read to Zero
• Diverse

I’m hoping for 5 debut reads each quarter and I’d love to have half my books be indie published, though that might be a stretch. I’m targeting 5 authors to Read to Zero in different genres (Christian Fiction, Closed Door, Cozy Mystery etc.)

Category Two: Book Goals

• Diverse settings
• Diverse characters
• Re-reads
• Non-Fiction
• Series

I’m not a huge non-fiction reader, but my goal is to read 5 NF books which should be doable since I belong to a non-fiction book club at church now and in a pinch I could include a devotional, right?!

For series I’m going to pick 5 in each genre and once I finish them, I’ll add another 5. I’m still in the process of choosing the series, but for this first quarter I’m looking at ones I’m close to finishing or new series that only have three or four books.

Social Media Goals:

• Instagram
• Social Media influenced reads
• Blog Reading friends recommends
• Blog upgrade
• Good Reads (460)

I’m going to start tracking my sources for reading recommendations. So, when I’m on instagram and I see an enticing review, I’ll add the title to my wishlist with a notation about who recommended it etc. Ditto for this blog. I think it will be fun to see where my reading inspiration comes from!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Join in the conversation. Leave a comment and I’ll enter you in.a draw for a $10 gift card for Baker Book House. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 25 2025.