Kav's Best Reads

I Heard the Bells + Giveaway

Four authors, four Christmas novellas of peace, joy, love (and red pickup trucks)

A Christmas Wedding to Die For by Darlene L. Turner

’Tis the season for deadly secrets.
Photographer Adelaide Fox thought she had the perfect assignment—capturing the winning shot at a high-profile Yukon wedding. But when the bride vanishes and a guest is found dead, holiday cheer turns to mystery. As a blizzard approaches, Adelaide teams up with the bride’s rugged brother, tracker Declan Stone. With danger closing in, suspicious guests, and threatening messages, Adelaide must unravel the truth—and maybe open her heart—to find peace on earth this Christmas.

Season of Forever by Helena Smrcek

Past meets present. Two hearts, WWII secrets, and a Christmas of second chances.
Past and present entwine in a story of love, loss, and second chances. In the shadows of WWII, a fragile romance is tested by sacrifice and distance. Decades later, in St. Jacobs, Ontario, Faith helps at her grandmother’s sweater shop, while next door Joseph acquires a charred WWII Bible marked with a red ribbon. Despite their rocky first encounter, will Faith and Joseph give their budding relationship a chance—and uncover the hidden story within the Bible’s pages?

Falling for You by Melanie Stevenson

A broken engagement, a broken rib, and a broken heart.
Author Laurel Bennett hadn’t planned to spend Christmas this way. Her escape to Banff was meant to avoid her ex-fiancé’s wedding, not land her in recovery at the Banff Springs Hotel. But when she crosses paths with Dr. Ethan Pine—the charming stranger who saved her on the slopes—everything changes. A whirlwind of magical days sparks undeniable chemistry, and they must decide if love can bridge both the distance and the wounds that threaten to keep them apart.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Potter by Sara Davison

He thought he knew exactly what he wanted.
Jack Miller is determined to make it big in the Big Apple. So why does he keep getting dragged back to the place—and the woman—he’s trying to leave behind? Playing the lead in his tiny Nova Scotian town’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life gives Jack a glimpse into the life that could have been his. Good thing it’s not the one he wants, since it’s clearly too late for him to get it back.

My Review:

Woohoo! Greatest impulse buy ever. I saw the pretty cover on Instagram and discovered that the collection is written by four Canadian authors with four different Canadian settings! Sold!

The novellas vary greatly, from mystery to dual timeline to rom/com but they all feature a Canadian Christmas and each story cleverly features a red truck and a classic Christmas Carol. Loved spotting those little connections in each novella.

In A Christmas Wedding to Die For by Darlene L. Turner, two cases of unrequited love meet up again in the Yukon wilderness. A Christmas wedding dissolves into mystery and mayhem, though there are plenty of cozy vibes that keep this from being a traditional suspense. Loved the fast pace and the eclectic secondary characters (a few who are truly dreadful!) I love feeling righteously indignant on behalf of a hero and heroine! I got a real sense of a Yukon winter which added an atmospheric element to the story.

Season of Forever by Helena Smreck is set in the scenic town of St. Jacobs Ontario (present day) and in England during World War II, so, yay, dual timeline novella style! I’ll admit to being drawn to the WWII romance (it made me cry) but I enjoyed the contrasts in the contemporary romance as well and the way the timelines fit together by the end wrapped things up nicely.

If you enjoy a good rom/com, Falling for You by Melanie Stevenson is the perfect fit. It’s super cute and playful with great comedic beats. The Banff, Alberta setting is a bonus. The author’s descriptions of the resort and the town made me feel like I was actually there. Romantical and funny with a bit of festive toe-curls thrown in to heat things up!

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is one of my favourite holiday movies and it takes centerstage in Sara Davison’s Merry Christmas, Mr. Potter. Angst abounds in this second chance romance that features two actors reunited in a small town theatre production of the classic movie. The Nova Scotia backdrop added an extra thrill to my maritime loving heart! And the way the author weaves elements of ‘It’s a Wonderful Live’ into Jack and Kali’s situation is masterfully written. A stunning way to end a stellar holiday collection.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy available to anyone, anywhere in the world so…woohoo…International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the I Heard the Bells, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 15 2025.

The Cupid Chronicles + Giveaway

Some love stories are written . . . this one is magically delivered.

Iris Ellington isn’t looking for love. Not even a little bit. With a long list of failed relationships behind her, she’s decided to reinvent herself as a person who doesn’t fall head over heels on the first date.

New town, new job, new Iris.

But someone—or something—has other plans.

When her neighbor’s newspaper lands in front of her door, Iris has no choice but to return it. And when she does, she comes face to face with a ridiculously handsome but very grumpy chef who all but slams the door in her face.

Matteo Morgan just wants to be left alone. He’s loved and lost and has zero interest in ever doing that again. Which is why it makes no sense that The Serendipity’s magical newspaper has decided to turn him into an unwilling Cupid. Matchmaking is hardly in his wheelhouse.

And yet, for the last three years, that’s exactly what he’s done. And he’s always done it alone.

Until now.

When the newspaper pulls his bubbly neighbor into its matchmaking schemes, Matteo has no choice but to go along with it, hoping that maybe—finally—he can pass Cupid’s bow and arrow on to her.

Thrown together by fate, they must navigate the newspaper’s increasingly absurd demands while trying to resist the undeniable spark between them.

Will Iris melt the ice around Matteo’s heart and embrace the magic? Or will Matteo scare her off with his grumpy demeanor and ruin any chance of happiness? In a building where anything is possible, Iris and Matteo might just find that the greatest magic of all is finding love when they least expect it.

My Review:

Quirky and whimsical and sooooo much fun! I want to move into the Serendipity! Love the subtle (well, honestly, often not so subtle) scheming matchmaking of the building! Yes, you read that right — Walsh has ventured into a whole other realm of busybody matchmaker ‘characters’ and I love it!

Magical realism at its best. Along with an emotional love story that slowly builds from a definitely awkward meet-cute that is anything but cute. Gotta love a brooding hero (he has reasons) who hovers on the grumpy side…a lot. But Matteo is no match for impetuous and enthusiastic Iris. Love the snark and banter and the characters’ inner dialogue is priceless. Especially Iris has she struggles to come to grips with an opinionated magical building.

You might think this kind of romance is out of your comfort zone, but do give it chance. It’s classic Courtney Walsh with her trademark blend of emotional depth and lighthearted humour only this time she’s added a touch of magic to the mix…and can’t we all use some magic in our lives now and again?!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Stephanie Rose and Lee Samuels and, honestly, if you are an audio book fan this is the way to go with this book. The Dual narration is brilliant – especially Stephanie Rose’s portrayal of Iris. Enjoyed listening to this one so much. Will definitely be a book I’ll revisit again.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Cupid Chronicles leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 15 2025

Conversations With Kav – ‘If I Owned a Bookshop’ tag + Giveaway

I’ve always dreamed about owning a bookstore. I think every reader has a variation of that bookish fantasy…at least I hope so, otherwise this is going to be me being weird again. 🙂 I came upon this book tag on Chautona Havig’s Youtube page and thought it was too fun to pass up.

So, today, let’s chat about bookshops…specifically the kind we’d own. Money’s no limit, and, of course all our bookshops will be mega successful so let your imagination run wild. (And remember to check out the giveaway details at the end of this post.)

If I Owned a Bookshop…

Well, of course, I’d be over the moon and I would never want to take a day off! I’d order books and shelve books and make pretty display books ! Oh and I’d get to talk books all day long! Happy sigh. Of course, I’d have to be practical too and that’s where this book tag comes in.

Oh, and I should say what kind of bookstore. I have two dream ideas and they are exact opposites. One is a huge multi-storied bookstore with lots of reading nooks and craft corners and large spaces for book signings. The Hudson’s Bay Company (Canadian department store) has recently gone out of business and whenever I go to the mall and see that huge three storied empty space at one end of the mall I think, “that would make an amazing bookstore!” So that’s one of my bookshop dreams.

But the one I’m going to use to answer the questions for this book tag is my other dream — making over an old school bus into a travelling bookstore that I could take to out of the way places where people are hours away from a bricks and mortar bookstore. So, here we go!

Operating Hours – They would vary depending on my destination so I’d have to be very flexible. And the season would play a part as well. Tough to be on the road in the middle of winter (mind you being stranded in a mobile bookshop in a the blizzard might be cozy!)
Music Playing – I don’t think I’d do music but it would fun to play ambient sounds to suit the location and time of day. So waves crashing on the beach for a seaside town, a crackling fire and night owls hooting for an evening opening in the mountains…that kind of thing.
Coffee and alcohol? – Definite no to the alcohol. Maybe I could have an awning across one side of the bus with a few cafe tables and chairs and I could serve simple coffee or juice. It would depend on how much room I’d be willing to sacrifice from my books!
Set up of store – I’ve kind of described this already. A bus outfitted with shelves and a couple of cozy reading nooks. I’d have some clever storage set up so I could pull out a bookshelf and set it up outside on good weather days. OH – just had a brilliant afterthought. A double decker bus bookstore!!!
Live entertainment and community events – welllll, that’s kinda hard, though I could partner with small towns and we could host something together. I’d bring the books and they could supply a meeting place for a book club or crafting event. That kind of thing.
Store Location: Wherever the road takes me!
External appearance: I’d definitely want to paint it with books and characters — kind of like the Magic School bus only book themed. 🙂
What kind of books would you sell? – Everything. It would be fun to tailor my collection to the different communities. People could send it requests and interests beforehand so I could stock up. That means I’d need a warehouse in my home base….oh wow, a whole warehouse full of books! Thud!
Name of the store:Novel Journeys.

The Giveaway

Now it’s your turn. Share a bit about the kind of bookstore you would like to own in a comment below and I’ll enter you in a draw to win:

US – $10 Baker Book House gift certificate

Canada – $10 Amazon or Indigo gift certificate

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

November Giveaway – Week Two

won by Melissa Andres

won by Kay Garrett

won by Trixi

won by Jolene

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

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:

Sunday

Conversations with Kav – a place for us to chat about bookish topics if anyone is so inclined. Sometimes there will be giveaways, sometimes there won’t. It will just depend on the topic of the day. Hope to see you there! Otherwise my inner book nerd and I will carry on by ourselves. Bwahaha!

Final Approach

The suspect list is growing…
Can this K-9 team unmask a killer?

Investigating a gun smuggling ring leads ATF Special Agent Daniel Slater to a murder victim’s house—and right into a drive-by shooting. With his K-9 partner, Dakota, he helps save crime scene investigator Aurora Martin from flying bullets. But there are no clues as to why Aurora is a target. Suspecting a case of mistaken identity, Daniel insists she will be safe hiding out at his home—until gunmen infiltrate the property. Now, to protect Aurora, Daniel must hunt down their attacker. But can he catch the culprit in time…or will this case be Aurora’s last?

My Review:

Woohoo! Epic takedown and superb ending to the Dakota K-9 multi-authored eight book series! Loved the way everything all comes together in ‘Final Showdown’ – and what an apt title! I’m totally a fan of a Great Dane K-9 officer! Dakota is equal parts committed guardian and fierce protector. And the instant attraction between Daniel and Aurora satisfied my romance loving heart. They are thrown together under extraordinary circumstances and there’s some fun snark (courtesy of Aurora) and banter and a whole lot of intrigue and danger before they can even dream of a happily ever after.

I’ll be honest and say that I do feel this story reads best if you are familiar with a few of the earlier books since it brings almost the whole team together as they finally bring a difficult case to a successful close. You could read it as a standalone but I think you’ll appreciate this ‘grand finale’ so much more if you have been with the team for at least part of the journey.

I really enjoyed listening to the audible edition narrated by Sharon Schnaubelt. She did a great job with all these characters and keeping pace with the exhilarating plot!

The Christmas Cabin

random retro read

When Carla James flies home for the holidays at her family’s cozy Canadian cabin, she has no idea what—or who—awaits. But after five years serving at her beloved Mexican orphanage, it’s time to work through forgiveness, face her fears, and reclaim Christmas. Up-and-coming chef, Rhys Templeton, still regrets leaving a heartbroken Carla in the past and is desperate to confess his truth and make amends. But her own shocking revelation has the potential to either send him spiraling back to his destructive lifestyle or into Carla’s arms.

However, someone else is privy to Carla’s chilling secret and they’re out there watching. Waiting. Wanting. Time is running out like melting snowflakes. And now, if Carla ever wants to see another Christmas, she needs all the grace and grit she can muster to trust the one who deserted her and the One who promised never to leave.

My Review:

published in 2022

Yay! A heroine with glasses! Myopic girlies unite! And my goodness, but Carla is on a journey. She’s hoping to finally come to grips with the past on her Christmas sojourn home – she just doesn’t anticipate things to pick up where she left them five years ago!

An angsty but oh-so-sweet second chance romance mixed with a light stalkerish vibe makes for a compelling read. Not quite a suspense – there’s not enough elements to really make it one – but it has some of that kind of chilling atmosphere. A captivating holiday escape read if you like a wee bit of edge with your romance.

Hello November + Giveaway

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

Why?

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.

How?

By hosting a special ‘Hello – insert month’ giveaway. It’s easy to play along. You just have to choose ONE of the November 2025 new releases on your TBR wishlist (must be Christian Fiction) and mention the title in a comment below (or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca) If your name is drawn, that November release is the book you will win and we’re one book closer to keeping our fave authors in business.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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 November 9 2025

Hollis & Ivy + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Unlucky Ivy Teague can’t shake the plague of bad luck following her around Whistler, BC. Business is so dire she’ll have to close her flower shop unless a holiday miracle lands on her door step. Then he arrives.

By-the-numbers Hollis Dash is in town to finalize a business contract with Ivy’s rival. It doesn’t take long for him to realize that he should be making a deal with the pretty florist down the street.When a series of suspicious events target Teague Flowers, the pair find themselves caught in a real war of the roses. Hollis can only do so much to help his business competition, and Ivy is doubtful of his intentions since Hollis and her new troubles appeared at the same time. If they can trust each other–and Christmas spirit floating through town, they might make it to the new year together.

My Review:

published in 2017

Such a fun little read. And when I say little I mean that the book is smaller than the standard size and she’s so cute! As is the title word play! 🙂

Counting down to Christmas in a florist shop is an interesting twist for a holiday romance. Especially since Ivy is struggling with a rather malicious rival shop down the street which is turning her Christmas more Grinchy than Cindy Lou Who-ish! Until a mysterious stranger arrives in town.

Hollis is actually in Whistler (hooray – Canadian setting!) to consult with that rival florist but a chance meeting with Ivy sends his plans askew. An impossible romance, a bit of intrigue, and some festive flower arranging make for a heartwarming holiday escape read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy available to anyone, anywhere in the world so…woohoo…International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Toils and Snares, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 2025.

Christy Awards – Speculative and YA + Giveaway

What are the Christy Awards?

The Christy Award is destined to nurture creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview and showcase the diversity of genres. These 2025 finalists are books published in 2024.

How does this Giveaway work?

You select ONE of either the Speculative OR Young Adult Fiction finalists you would like to receive if your name is drawn. Mention the title in a comment. If you win that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. Here are the finalists. (I have provided links to my reviews of the books I have read.)

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 Fiction

A Slice of Sky by Nancy Moser – Mustard Seed Press – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account.

As one of the twenty Patrons in Regalia, Cashlin leads a charmed life filled with glamour, fame, and fashion. Her job is to show off the newest styles, created especially for her. She drinks in the attention like life-giving water. Her life is perfect. If she was asked, she’d say she had everything she could ever want or need.

She’d be wrong.

Everything changes when Cashlin sees a miracle, something so unexplainable that it rattles her carefully curated world. She begins to wonder if there’s something more to life than the newest fashion; something deep and meaningful, a purpose beyond herself. And dare she even think it—a purpose that serves a higher power?

Cashlin’s revelation, her curiosity, and her courageous actions stir up conflict even as they change her–and the whole of Regalia–forever.

Darkfell by Amanda Wright – Quill & Flame Publishing House – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook if you have 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.

Memoria by J.J. Fischer – Enclave a division of Oasis Family Media – Giveaway Options: US – print or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account.

Nightingale Trilogy #3

Would you save a life if you knew it would destroy another?

In the deeply divided world of Caldera, nothing is as it seems. Taken captive by a faceless enemy, Sephone Winter fights to reclaim her soul as her gift spirals out of control and the deadly poison coursing through her veins begins to exact its terrible vengeance.

Meanwhile, Dorian and Cass are forced into an uneasy alliance in order to find the woman they both love . . . a woman who has all but vanished from the face of the earth, along with the Reliquary. Finding her becomes impossible as the identity of their greatest adversary continues to elude them.

When Caldera’s past catches up with the trio’s future, Sephone, Dorian, and Cass are forced to make decisions that threaten everything and everyone they care about. Each of them is offered a chance to sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of the other—but will they take it? And what will it cost them in the end?

Protector by Megan Schaulis – WhiteCrown Publishing, a division of WhiteFire Publishing – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook if you have a 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?

Young Adult Fiction

Ben Washington is the Newbie on the Block by Jasmine Mullen – Moody Publishers – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account.

Ben’s life has been upended. He’s leaving Atlanta. His mom’s having a baby. He desperately wants a dog. Who said being twelve is easy?

Meet Ben Washington. He’s about to leave the place he loves for a new town—population: near nothing. Sixth grade is universally bumpy. And starting school in a pocket-sized town where no one looks like you is going to be an even bigger challenge.

Is there a friend for Ben in Radnor Falls? What is he going to do about the trio of bullies who seem far too old to still be in middle school? And what about the mystery of “Spooky Fred,” the town outsider? What has Fred done, and what will Ben do when he finds out? Will Ben come to love the slime green house with creaky floors and attic bedroom? Read this story of friendship, faith, and finding God in the hard spaces of life to find out.

The Chaos Grid by Lyndsey Lewellen – Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account.

Cross the grid. Survive the storms. Let your destiny burn.

When mankind’s attempts to control nature backfire, Texas descends into a wasteland. Storms rage and ravenous beasts roam the Outer Grid. The only safe havens rest inside the tech-obsessed domed cities. But when her parents are murdered inside the Plex City dome, seventeen-year-old Juniper Conway wants revenge.

Ties to her extended family threaten to pull her back as she runs from city to city. The Plex is endangering its citizens by legalizing a deadly nano drug, and Juniper’s family needs her help to deliver the counteragent. Saving the city who orphaned her goes against everything she stands for. The only way out is to brave the wasteland.

Juniper joins a shipping crew fearless enough to transport food across the Outer Grid. But when a string of bad luck turns lethal, she fears something, or someone, is dragging her back to the Plex. As her world sinks into chaos, Juniper must decide if revenge is worth the lives of the crew she has come to love.

Echo Nova by Clint Hall – Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media – Giveaway Options: US – print or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook if you have 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.

Jake Rogers’ Planet by Philip Wilder – Great Alliance Commission – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook or giveaway, International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account.

Jake is about to embark on a perilous adventure through an alien wilderness filled with hidden wonders and hazards.

While backpacking with his father, Jake Rogers discovers a mysterious portal and accidentally plunges headfirst into an alien world. Stranded on this bizarre planet, he must evade predators, adapt to the strange elements, and navigate the ever-changing landscape to return home. However, as Jake stumbles upon technologically advanced alien ruins, a chilling question arises: Are the aliens still alive?

Even on this terrifying journey, God reminds Jake of the profound verse: “Do not fear, for I am with you.”

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 8 2025 (after 12 pm) REMEMBER TO CHECK GIVEAWAY EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH TITLE!

Christy Awards Finalists – Mystery/Suspense/Thriller + Giveaway

What are the Christy Awards?

How does this Giveaway work?

You select ONE of the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller finalists you would like to receive if your name is drawn. Mention the title in a comment. If you win that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. Here are the finalists. (I have provided links to my reviews of the books I have read.)

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann – Tyndale House – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook if you have a US indie account.

She’s a master at spotting a forgery . . . and knowing how to create one. But can she solve a decades-old mystery?

The media spotlight is the last thing art thief and forger Sophie Williams needs. But when one of three long-missing royal portraits turns up in Germany at her best friend’s art gallery, the spotlight is exactly what she gets. Since the tragic deaths of Princess Johanna of Neuhansberg and her two children forty years ago, the whereabouts of these portraits have been unknown . . . and the timing of their reappearance―just days before a new prince’s coronation―reignites questions surrounding the infamous accident.

Then Sophie’s best friend vanishes, and a rumor about hidden treasure connected to the paintings surfaces, seemingly confirmed by a cryptic message on the back of the first canvas. Convinced that finding the other two portraits will lead to her friend, Sophie begins a twisty investigation that pits her against other ruthless treasure hunters, a handsome investigator who seems to dog her trail at every turn, and a mysterious group that offers help, wearing an emblem identical to one on the painting.

From Germany’s grand castles and soaring cathedrals through the Alps to the canals of Venice, Sophie must choose her allies carefully if she hopes to find the portraits, rescue her best friend―and perhaps save a throne―before time runs out.

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright – Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group) – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account.

As the walls of the house at Predicament Avenue reveal their hidden truths, two women—generations apart—discover that fear and foreboding are no respecters of time.

In 1910, Effie James is committed to doing anything to save her younger sister, who witnessed a shocking murder, leaving her mute and in danger of the killer’s retribution. Effie must prove what her sister saw, but when a British gentleman arrives, he disrupts Effie’s quest with his attempts to locate his wife, Isabelle Addington, who was last seen at the supposed crime scene in the abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue. Just as Effie discovers what she seeks, she finds that the blood staining the walls will forever link her to a scandal she couldn’t imagine, and to a woman whose secrets promise to curse any who would expose them.

A century later, Norah Richman grapples with social anxiety and grief as she runs her late great-aunt’s bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue. But Norah has little affection for the house and is committed only to carrying out her murdered sister’s dreams until crime historian and podcaster Sebastian Blaine arrives to investigate the ghostly legacy of the house’s claim to fame—the murder of Isabelle Addington. When a guest is found dead, the incident is linked to Isabelle’s murder, and Norah and Sebastian must work together to uncover the century-old curse that has wrapped 322 Predicament Avenue in its clutches and threatens far more than death. https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/04/24/night-falls-on-predicament-avenue-giveaway/

Serial Burn by Lynette Eason – Revell (Baker Publishing House) – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook if you have US Kindle account.

She’s out for justice. But the arsonist she’s tracking is out for retribution.

Now the fire marshal of Lake City, Jesslyn McCormick is determined to find the person who started the fire that robbed her of her family when she was just seven years old. As the twentieth anniversary of the tragedy approaches, a string of fires–including at Jesslyn’s church–brings up all those old feelings and offers new evidence.

Because church fires are considered a hate crime, FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is called in to work with local law enforcement. Nathan has his own past–one he’d prefer not to revisit. And focusing on helping Jesslyn track down the arsonist is a great distraction.

As both the case and the chemistry between Jesslyn and Nathan heat up, memories will come flooding in from the past to bump up against hopes for the future. And when Jesslyn comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare, she’ll have to confront her fears and rely on Nathan and her community of friends in order to survive. https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/01/28/serial-burn-giveaway/

Shattered Sanctuary by Nancy Mehl – Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group) – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account.

Grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that altered her life, ex-police officer and bestselling mystery author Erin Delaney finds solace in the tranquility of a cabin nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. But her newfound peace is shattered when cries pierce the night, hinting at a haunting presence lurking in the woods. When local police chief Adrian Nightengale seeks her help with a baffling murder case, she is thrust back into the world of crime solving. As they delve into the investigation, Erin’s intuition reveals chilling truths about the killer’s motives and methods.

Joined by the enigmatic Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, Erin not only embarks on a quest to stop a merciless serial killer but also confronts the ghosts of her past. In a race against time, Erin must defeat her own demons while outmaneuvering a cunning killer or risk becoming the next victim in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

In this propulsive series starter, bestselling author Nancy Mehl steals readers away to the perilous Tennessee town of Sanctuary, setting the stage for an action-packed mystery that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Terminal Danger by Jerusah Agent – SDG Words – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account.

This woman and her K-9 are being hunted. Exactly as she planned.

When a busload of schoolchildren disappears, Phoenix Gray knows the kidnapper is the unidentified serial killer she’s spent her life trying to catch. This time, she’ll find the killer and bring him to justice no matter what it takes. She and her Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency join the search for the hostages, but they aren’t the only ones who want the criminal captured.

Callum Ross, an FBI agent who specializes in catching serial criminals, is about to resign. But not until he finds one last culprit, the killer behind a famous twenty-year-old crime Callum vowed to solve.

Despite the FBI agent’s uncanny understanding of her psyche, Phoenix refuses to be distracted from her goal. When the serial killer turns into the cat instead of the mouse, Phoenix thinks she’s ready. But will she need the God she rejected to achieve the justice she’s given her life to obtain?

There were ties in this category which is why there are five books instead of three.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 8 2025 (after 12 pm) REMEMBER TO CHECK GIVEAWAY EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH TITLE!