Category: Reader’s Choice

It’s a new Best Reads blog tradition! Celebrating the month’s new releases the first week of each month.

Because I recently discovered that a book’s success or failure is often determined by first month sales! (Though I bet preorders play into that as well.) Publishing houses look at those stats to determine whether they’ll add on to a series or accept the author’s next manuscript! All that literary goodness hanging in the balance but for a month’s worth of sales! (This was a cozy mystery author, but I imagine all traditional publishers use the same ‘system’.) So, I thought I should do my wee little bit to promote Christian Fiction.

By hosting a special “Hello — insert month” giveaway. It’s easy to play along. You just have to choose one of the August 2023 new releases on your TBR wishlist (must be Christian Fiction) and mention the title in a comment below (or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca.) If your name is drawn, that August release is the book you will win and we’re one book count closer to keeping our fave authors in business.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE TO:

ebook for anyone anywhere who has an Amazon.com kindle account

US – paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice

Canada -paperback or ebook (in form of an Amazon gift card) or audible.ca audio book (if available) – winner’s choice

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 5 2023.

This is the second year I’ve made concrete reading goals and I’m getting a crazy kick out of keeping tabs on what I’m reading. So, I thought I would share my progress now that we’ve reached the half-year mark. (Gasp! Where does the time go?!) I’ll share my progress below and you can chime in about your reading goals in the comments. Don’t worry — a goal can be as simple as ‘read a book’ which I know you all are doing, but, if you have more specific goals it would e fun to hear about them too.

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

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

****NOTE: BOOKS MUST BE CHRISTIAN FICTION****

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

Books can be published any time through September 2023. Currently published books will be ordered right away, otherwise you’ll get an IOU for a later title.

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

Here’s how I’m doing on my goals so far this year:

• 269 (ish) books read to date, 148 for this 2nd quarter— I’ve added on that ish ’cause I’m going by my Good Reads # but I read ahead for the blog so the count is a wee bit higher. And here’s some fun stats:
• 56 Audible
• 88 Audible Plus
• 19 Chirp
• 10 for Review
• 76 from the library (print and audio)
• 25 print purchased by me

And broken down by genre (because I’m that much of a book nerd these days.)

• 31 Historical
• 13 Regency
• 4 WWI
• 5 WWII
• 26 Contemporary
• 7 Amish
• 32 Romantic Suspense
• 3 Suspense
• 5 Mystery
• 136 Cozy Mysteries (yikes!)
• 24 Historical Mysteries
• 2 Dual Time lines
• 10 Novella set
• 8 Middle Grade
• 1 Fairy Tale Retelling

Now for my goals:

#1 READ MORE INDIE BOOKS

29 books — not great given the number of books I’ve read overall so I’ll try to improve next quarter.

#2 READ MORE DEBUT BOOKS

9 books — not bad, it’s hard to source out debuts, I tend to stumble onto them.

#3 READ MORE NEW TO ME AUTHORS

47 authors — and have found some new faves too, which is going to make my reading life that much more complicated. 🙂

#4 DIVERSIFY MY READING

74 books — largely due to setting (thank you Regencies!) so I’m going to try harder to branch out next quarter.

Diverse Settings:

• 34 books set in England
• 45books set in Canada
• 4 books set in Ireland
• 3 books set in Germany
• 2 books set in Africa
• 3 books set in France
• 2 books set in Asia
• 1 book set in Denmark
• 1 book set in Greece
• 1 book set in Austria
• 3 book set in Wales
• 3 book set in Scotland

Diverse author by nationality:

• 7 Canadian
• 7 British
• 1 Irish
• 2 Australian
• 1 New Zealand

• 8 ethnically diverse authors
• 15 books with at least one ethnically diverse MC
• 5 books with disabled or chronically ill characters

#5 PLAY AUTHOR CATCH-UP

Last year I put way too many authors on this list one of which was Christy Barritt (what was I thinking?!) so I failed dismally. This year I’m going to concentrate on one or two each quarter. This time round it was:

Sally Britton (surprised?) — I’ve read 11 out of 19 books (still have some work to do!) and Susan Sleeman — just have 6 books to go (8 if you count her May release) out of…a bazillion books! I’m getting closer!

#6 GIVE UNLOVED TROPES A SECOND CHANCE

5 books read. Sigh — I really don’t like to move out of my comfort zone and I don’t think that’s likely to change any time soon. I enjoyed the books I read for the most part, but I’m not going out of my way to find these tropes. 🙂

#7 STORY CHATS RECOMMENDS

Story Chats is a Booktube video (podcast?) hosted by three indie authors — Valerie Comer, Elizabeth Maddrey and Narelle Atkins. It’s a weekly show where they highlight contemporary Christian Romance (CCR) using various themes/tropes, as well as host guest authors. My goal is to read at least one book recommend a month and, yay, I’m 6 for 6!

SERIOUS ABOUT SERIES: 

And then there’s this whole other beast called a SAS list, that stand for Serious About Series. I might have been overly ambitious when I made up these lists…they fill an entire book after all, but here it is in a nutshell:

TRILIGOIES IN PROGRESS

10 completed (or up to date) out of 28

TRILIGOIES TO START:

7 started and completed; 4 started but not completed out of 28

SERIES I’M CURRENT WITH

33 out of 38 (a few new releases slipped passed me!)

SERIES IN PROGRESS:

Have been randomly reading through 31 out of 31! Close to catching up on a few of them..

SERIES TO START

38 started, 8 up to date out of 106!!!!!

It’s a new Best Reads blog tradition! Celebrating the month’s new releases the first week of each month.

Because I recently discovered that a book’s success or failure is often determined by first month sales! (Though I bet preorders play into that as well.) Publishing houses look at those stats to determine whether they’ll add on to a series or accept the author’s next manuscript! All that literary goodness hanging in the balance but for a month’s worth of sales! (This was a cozy mystery author, but I imagine all traditional publishers use the same ‘system’.) So, I thought I should do my wee little bit to promote Christian Fiction.

By hosting a special “Hello — insert month” giveaway. It’s easy to play along. You just have to choose one of the July 2023 new releases on your TBR wishlist (must be Christian Fiction) and mention the title in a comment below (or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca.) If your name is drawn, that July release is the book you will win and we’re one book count closer to keeping our fave authors in business.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE TO:

ebook for anyone anywhere who has an Amazon.com kindle account

US – paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice

Canada -paperback or ebook (in form of an Amazon gift card) or audible.ca audio book (if available) – winner’s choice

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 8 2023.

So, here’s how this week’s giveaways works: You recommend CHRISTIAN FICTION genre specific titles with release dates in July, August or September 2023 (up to three suggestions per genre day) and you have a chance to win one of your recommendations! BUT it’s a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

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

IT’S GENERAL CHRISTIAN FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

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

Christian Fiction — a full length story or novella or collection of novellas. Any genre, including including previous selections you’ve made on other days as well as specific genres not covered this week like Women’s Fiction. Speculative, Sci Fi etc.

How does it work?

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

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

Publication date must be July, August or September 2023

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

Christian Fiction books only please!

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

No email entries this time round since comments are working on WP

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

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

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

Draw will be held and winner announced on 

Saturday July 1, 2023

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon on July 1. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.)

So, here’s how this week’s giveaways works: You recommend CHRISTIAN FICTION genre specific titles with release dates in July, August or September 2023 (up to three suggestions per genre day) and you have a chance to win one of your recommendations! BUT it’s a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

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

IT’S AMISH FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

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

Amish Fiction — a full length story or novella or collection of novellas where the hero or heroine (or both) are Amish OR the story has significant Amish involvement through secondary characters and an Amish community. Can be set in any time period – contemporary or historical – and cross genres such as YA, suspense, dual timeline etc.

How does it work?

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

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

Publication date must be July, August or September 2023

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

Christian Fiction books only please!

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

No email entries this time round since comments are working on WP

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

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

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

Draw will be held and winner announced on 

Saturday July 1, 2023

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon on July 1. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.)

So, here’s how this week’s giveaways works: You recommend CHRISTIAN FICTION genre specific titles with release dates in July, August or September 2023 (up to three suggestions per genre day) and you have a chance to win one of your recommendations! BUT it’s a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

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

IT’S CONTEMPORARY MYSTERY/ SUSPENSE FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

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

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

How does it work?

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

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

Publication date must be July, August or September 2023

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

Christian Fiction books only please!

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

No email entries this time round since comments are working on WP

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

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

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

Draw will be held and winner announced on 

Saturday July 1, 2023

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon on July 1. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.)

So, here’s how this week’s giveaways work: You recommend CHRISTIAN FICTION genre specific titles with release dates in July, August or September 2023 (up to three suggestions per genre day) and you have a chance to win one of your recommendations! BUT it’s a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

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

IT’S CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE / FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

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

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

How does it work?

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

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

Publication date must be July, August or September 2023

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

Christian Fiction books only please!

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

No email entries this time round since comments are working on WP

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

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

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

Draw will be held and winner announced on 

Saturday July 1, 2023

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon on July 1. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.)

So, here’s how this week’s giveaways works: You recommend CHRISTIAN FICTION genre specific titles with release dates in July, August or September 2023 (up to three suggestions per genre day) and you have a chance to win one of your recommendations! BUT it’s a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

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

IT’S HISTORICAL ROMANCE / FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

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

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

How does it work?

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

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

Publication date must be July, August or September 2023

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

Christian Fiction books only please!

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

No email entries this time round since comments are working on WP

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

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

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

Draw will be held and winner announced on 

Saturday July 1, 2023

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon on July 1. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.)

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

Books will be ordered or mailed within a week of receiving your address (or email address for ebooks) and I’ll email you to confirm your book is on the way. 

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK’S GIVEAWAYS:

Woohoo! It’s that time of year again — where do our reading months go? Spring seems so fleeting and now summer is out in full force here. Hot, humid and icky. What would I do without my books to distract me? If you haven’t guessed by now — it’s time for another READER’S CHOICE WEEK — SUMMER EDITION!

For those new here, Reader’s Choice Week is all about anticipating the new releases in Christian Fiction coming out in the next three months — in this case, July, August or September. Each day highlights a specific genre and you get to suggest books you are looking forward to reading this summer. You can make three suggestions per genre day and if you win the draw, you’ll get an IOU for one of the new releases you’ve suggested. Please do read the ‘guidelines’ carefully for each blog post, so you follow the rules and contribute to this being a fun-filled, anticipatory week of bookish splendour!

Monday June 26 — Historical Fiction — any full-length novel or novella or collection of novellas set in any time period before 1980. May cross genres such as YA, suspense, Amish etc and may include dual timelines.

Tuesday June 27 — Contemporary Fiction — any full length novel or novella or collection of novellas set in any time period after 1980. May cross genres such as YA, suspense, Amish etc and may include dual timelines.

Wednesday June 28 — Suspense / Mystery Fiction — any full length novel or novella or collection of novellas where mystery is an important part of the plot. The hero or heroine (or both) are often in peril (more so in suspense.) Can be set in any time period — contemporary or historical — and cross genres such as YA, Amish or dual timelines etc.

Thursday June 29 — Amish Fiction — any full length novel or novella or collection of novellas where the hero or heroine (or both) are Amish OR the story has significant Amish involvement through Amish secondary characters and Amish community. Can be historical or contemporary and cross genres such as YA, suspense or dual timelines.

Friday June 30 — General Christian Fiction — Any full length novel or novella or collection of novellas. Any genre including previous selections you’ve made on other days and also for specific  genres not covered this week such as Women’s Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, etc.