Kav's Best Reads

Conversations With Kav – First Sentence Fun + Giveaway

True Confession: I have a library problem. A BIG problem! Like a 44 Books Checked Out problem. Partly because it seems to just happen that a bunch of holds come in at the same time, but largely because I can’t resist browsing the bookshelves and adding to my growing collection.

Then I get home and I add them to my mountain of a TBR pile and promptly start to feel overwhelmed. Then, when it’s time for a new read I cautiously approach the pile and spend an hour browsing through all the books trying to decide what to read next. I like to read and rate the first sentence of all the books and choose the one that intrigues me the most.

It can take ages to narrow it down to the ‘winning’ book. I look for a first sentence that beguiles me, leaves me with a question or sparks intrigue. A sentence that makes me want to read more. So I did that today after I came home from my third library visit this week (I just can’t stay away!) And I spent way too long winnowing down my first sentence hopefuls only to become stymied by indecision when I pared the pile down to seven books. Groan! (And, yes, I could have read a whole book with the time I’ve spent trying make this monumental decision!)

So, I had a brilliant idea! Why don’t I let YOU choose my next read for me? Just read the seven first sentences below and and vote for the one you find most appealing in a comment. I’ll tally the answers up and the sentence with the most votes will be the book I read next. And I’ll be able to return at least one book to the library next week! Yay! 🙂

Nine PM and time for me to head to bed…with a book, of course! So I thought I’d update these first sentences with their matching titles in case some of you won’t be able to sleep tonight for not knowing! Bwahahaha!

One

This Great Water will be my sepulcher.

Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright

Two

It was a strangely calm morning in March, with no wind off the dales, when the woman I assumed to be my mother slipped into the shop.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Politano

Three

So this is how it feels to be near death and utterly alone.

Indigo Isle by T.I. Lowe

Four

Bleak. The weather, her mood, her life.

The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen

Five

What had I done?

The Vanished by Cara Putman

Six

Strange how an empty room could be haunted by sound, especially a sound as whispery and distant as the shiff of sand between the bowls of an hourglass.

The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold

Seven

I was only eight years old when my aunts cursed me.

Truth Cursed by Angie Dickinson

Questions, I Have Questions (and a Giveaway)

I’m curious: are you a library user? How many books do you have checked out at time?
How do you choose what will be your next read?
Do you pay attention to the lure (or not) of first sentences?

And, of course there’s a giveaway.

Leave your vote (#1-#7) in a comment below and join in the conversation to be entered in a draw for:

US – $10 Baker Bookhouse e-gift card
Canada – $10 Amazon or Indigo e-gift card

Draw will be held and winner announced on

Saturday October 18 2025.

October Giveaway – Week Two

A bit of housekeeping before I announce the giveaway winners:

Canada has had another postal strike – started a week and a half ago but it’s over now. A full on strike is being replaced by rotating regional strikes so the post office is open again but the mail may take a bit longer to reach you. I’m guessing more like two weeks rather than the usual 4-7 days.

I’m discovering wildly fluctuating pricing on books recently – even more than before – so please remember to check what kind of edition is available for your country before entering a giveaway.

Also, for newbies here or even ‘oldies’ who have created a new WP account, your first comment under your new sign-in will be held back for approval by moi. I try to remember to check regularly, usually at least once a day, so don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away. No need to try again…I’ll click ‘approve’ eventually, hopefully sooner than later. 🙂 I’ve put a sticky note on my computer that says ‘check for pending comments’ to remind me.

And, just a reminder: Best Reads Holiday Bingo begins On Monday October 13 (Canadian Thanksgiving) and runs until Friday November 27 (American Thanksgiving.) and an FYI: my title for this Bingo challenge might be a bit misleading. The books do not have to be holiday stories. There’s just one Christmas prompt so that’s the only holiday mentioned. There are two seasonal prompts – autumn and winter – but those stories can be set any time during those seasons so not specifically around Thanksgiving or Christmas. Hope that clarifies things. Oh – and feel free to double/triple etc up on prompts with one book. Happy Reading!

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!

Monday

Christy Award Finalists – Yes, it’s that time again. The Christy Award Finalists have been announced and we’re going to check them out by category every Monday. This week it’s General Fiction.

Dying Cry

A killer lurks in Colorado’s snowy high country in Dying Cry, the tenth thrilling installment of award-winning author Margaret Mizushima’s Timber Creek K-9 mystery series.

Newlyweds Mattie and Cole Walker are teaching Cole’s daughters how to snowshoe in a remote canyon when a shattering scream pierces the air. They know that somewhere ahead, someone has been injured or worse. Cole takes the girls while Mattie and Robo go deeper into the canyon to search for the source of the scream.

From a distance, Mattie and Robo see a shadowy figure at the base of a cliff, but a rockslide buries the person under layers of stone and shale before they can provide help. Desperate to uncover the individual in case they’re still alive under the rock, their efforts are in vain. The victim is already dead. When they investigate the canyon rim from which the person fell, they discover evidence that indicates the fall was no accident. To make matters worse, the victim was one of Cole’s friends.

The Timber Creek County investigative team springs into action, uncovering a trail of greed that leads to a killer who threatens Mattie’s cherished new family and tests her with the most difficult task she’s faced in her duty as a K-9 handler.

My Review:

This is my favourite K-9 mystery series. It’s grittier than a cozy but not quite a thriller and probably about as edgy as I’m willing to go ’cause I’m a scaredy cat. It’s definitely best to read the books in order because of the phenomenal character growth – and not just with Mattie and Cole but a host of secondary characters as well. It is worth taking the time to watch them all evolve over the course of the series, including the romance (eeeeppp!)

Robo, the wonder dog, is a huge draw for me too and I love the extra bits of K-9 training and logistics that the author includes. I haven’t read another book with such a comprehensive approach to the K-9 aspect. Informative without taking away from the action of the story. In fact, it actually adds to the tension and suspense. I get as revved up as Robo trailing a scent!

‘Dying Cry’ is part police procedural, part wilderness adventure and chockfull of emotion since this murder hits close to home for Mattie. Newly married and trying to find her footing as stepmother to Cole’s precocious daughters, she struggles to find a balance between family life and working a gruesome investigation.

Love the role reversal of Mattie being the deputy facing danger every day while Cole is ‘safely’ ensconced at his veterinary practice. And the way the suspense plays out kept me on edge all the way to the end. Mercy, that climax – completely riveting with plenty of gasp out loud moments!

I listened to the audio book and Nancy Wu’s narration is a perfect match for Margaret Mizushima’s storytelling style. She’s been the Timber Creek K-9 voice from the very beginning and I really appreciate that continuity. Highly recommend the audio books to discerning listeners everywhere!

My thanks to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio coy of this book.

An Unexpected Christmas Helper + Giveaway

Sometimes forgiveness
is the best present.

After discovering he has a toddler daughter, engineer Evan Dukas needs all the help he can get—even if it comes from Vanessa Johnson, the woman who once crushed his heart. With financial worries mounting and Christmas just around the corner, the single mom agrees to be little Lily’s temporary nanny, and vows not to let working for Evan derail her recovery from an eating disorder. With her service dog, Snickers, at her side, Vanessa is on the path to healing, and soon old feelings reawaken between her and Evan. But when buried secrets regarding Vanessa’s son are revealed, they must decide if what they have is worth fighting for…

My Review:

Love Inspired Christmas cover art is among the best and they really out did themselves with this irresistible cover! If that doesn’t say ‘buy me’, I don’t know what does. And the story inside is just as charming.

Lee Tobin McClain knows how to create an emotionally compelling romance that pulls at a reader’s heartstrings and this one is full of holiday cheer as well. A winning combination!

Doting (but untried and completely clueless) daddy Evan makes for a great flawed hero. He made me laugh and swoon and even wince a few times. And I might have wanted to throw a projectile at him once or twice as well! Vanessa feels much the same way and their rollercoaster, ‘will they or won’t they give their reunion romance a chance’ escapades held me captive (while alternately cheering and groaning!)

Thankfully, there’s lots of Christmasy distractions and two cute kids and a very special dog to deflect the angst. I love the way McClain blends humour with raw emotion and all kinds of real life tough stuff. And the significant faith elements in this novel bring an even deeper satisfaction to the read.

This is #41 (!) in the K-9 Companions multi-authored series and I am amazed at how much I’ve learned about service dogs and all the varied assistance they can provide. Snickers’ job was a total surprise for me. I had no idea that a dog could be trained to serve in that way.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘An Unexpected Christmas Helper’ narrated by one of my favourite voice performers, Tanya Eby. She does a wonderful job bringing these characters to life in.a way that enhances McClain’s storytelling and creates a captivating listening experience.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in 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 An Unexpected Christmas Helper 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 October 11 2025

Christmas for the Heart + Giveaway

Christmas stirs all kinds of longings in our hearts. Longings for a joyful and peaceful celebration of the season. For merry moments with those we love. For nostalgic moments filled with sweet memories. For meaningful moments of worship.

Simply put, we long for the beauty and wonder of Christmas, but so much tries to get in the way of that kind of Christmas celebration. Pressure-packed schedules, the desire and drive to do everything Christmas, disillusionment with the commercialism of the season, and discouraging life situations can all hinder these longings from becoming reality.

Author Cheryl Barker wants to help change that for you with her new Christmas devotional Christmas for the Heart in the same way she has encouraged readers for years through blogging, newsletters, articles, greeting cards, and also her first book. The quotes, reflections, original poetry, Scriptures, and special features offered in each chapter will help you reclaim the beauty and wonder of the holiday season. The author’s heartfelt words will lead you to rejoice in the greatest gift ever given to the world and inspire you to give the King of Kings the worship he’s due. The guided journaling will make this beautiful devotional book a keepsake, making it a perfect gift for someone you love.

My Review:

Well, this is an exciting day – it’s not often that we get to celebrate a Best Reads friend’s book release! And I’m beyond excited and well into giddy to be able to share Cheryl Barker’s New Release: Christmas for the Heart : 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season. Woohoo!!!!

This pretty little book is full of inspiration and yuletide joy – a special gift from the author to help readers navigate their way towards rediscovering “the beauty and wonder of Christmas.” (p ix) Selecting a new Christmas devotional each year has become a tradition and, after perusing the contents of this book I’m eagerly anticipating my 2025 Advent countdown.

Of note: I haven’t read this book cover to cover as I usually do before writing a review. That’s because I want to keep it fresh and new for December. I have, however, read multiple entries in order to get a feel for the storytelling, layout and inspirational impact.

I absolutely love Barker’s relatable writing style. She writes from the heart and each devotion feels like a comfortable chat with a close friend. It’s like an exchange is happening between author and reader which creates an intimate, cozy ambiance. Just what I look for in a devotional!

Each day – December 1 – 25 – also features simple guided journaling prompts and easy but meaningful activity suggestions. They are thoughtfully curated to enhance the day’s devotion and I think I’ll find them really helpful to keep me ‘in the moment’ despite the hustle and bustle of the season.

And bonus — the author has included her own original Christmas poems throughout the book as well! Each one paired with a complimentary scripture passage. It’s clear to see that Cheryl Barker has poured her heart into this lovely little book and readers will be blessed by the inspiration and hope they will find within these pages. If you are in the market for a Christmas devotional, look no further. You’ll find the perfect fit right here!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – Cheryl has graciously offered to provide an autographed copy of Christmas for the Heart to a reader in the United States. Thank you, Cheryl!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Christmas for the Heart, 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 October 11 2025

A Christmas Serenade + Giveaway

Let the joy of the season sweep you off your feet with this charming collection of novellas from four of your favorite historical romance authors! From serendipitous meetings to second chances, each story brims with holiday cheer and unexpected love.

“A Caroling Christmas” by Jennifer Moore
Arthur Stanford, a reclusive scientist, reluctantly agrees to host a Dickensian Christmas party planned by Eliza Hopewell. As the holidays—and Eliza—weave their irresistible magic, will Arthur choose love over solitude?

“A Carol So Bright” by Kasey Stockton
Lillian Hartley, a woman who loves to sing but has lost her confidence, is reunited with the man who once broke her heart. As they rediscover their connection, will the holiday season spark a new song in their hearts?

“Christmas at Bellingham” by Katie Stewart Stone 
Bellingham Hall bustles with holiday cheer as Esther Harris endeavors to reconcile the dowager countess with her estranged son amidst family secrets and unexpected love with a childhood friend.

“Christmas in Amorwich” by Anneka R. Walker
Amelia Park is disillusioned by romance after Noah Brooks failed to propose. When the pair is reunited for the holidays, Noah realizes he may have waited too long—winning Amelia’s heart now might require a Christmas miracle.

My Review:

A wonderful collection of holiday novellas that not only focus on love, but on the true spirit of Christmas, including forgiveness and reconciliation. Uplifting and toe-curling!

“A Caroling Christmas” by Jennifer Moore – If you told me I’d be singing high praises for a holiday romance featuring a host of arachnids, I would have laughed hysterically while speedily fleeing the room! But here I am, besotted over zoologist Arthur and his unlikely troop of matchmaking critters. He’s a classic absent-minded professor type, clumsy and bumbling but with the best of intentions. Eliza is a party planner with excellent attention to detail and the ability to pivot for any catastrophe. Her astounding organizational skills come in handy quite a few times over the course of the Stanton’s Dickensian Christmas party! Misunderstandings lead to stolen moments, an earth shattering kiss and a happily ever after by Christmas Day!

“A Carol So Bright” by Kasey Stockton – The second chance, brother’s best friend tropes play out to perfection in this heartwarming novella. Lily has harboured a secret love for her brother’s best friend even though she knows he has an understanding with another lady. Emotional angst ensues when he stays with her family over Christmas. Love the part music plays in their romance which includes a most swoonworthy declaration of love!

“Christmas at Bellingham” by Katie Stewart Stone  – Esther and Andrew are reunited over Christmas in this friends to more holiday romance. She’s a lower class girl with a dowager benefactor which has put Esther at odds with the rest of her family. I get the feeling this novella is an addition to a series since there’s a ton of characters from both families introduced early on and a family history it felt like I should know. So, a lot to digest for a new reader, especially with the shorter word count.

“Christmas in Amorwich” by Anneka R. Walker – Amelia and Noah are a pair of star-crossed lovers who make things worse through rampant miscommunication and mixed messages. I was both exasperated and amused by them! Nothing like romantical shenanigan nonsense during a Regency Christmas house party! Loved the seasonal touches and adored that hard-won happily-ever-after! At last!!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – 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 A Christmas Serenade 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 October 11 2025

Christy Award Finalists – First Novel

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 the Contemporary Romance 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.

Darkfell by Amanda Wright – Quill and Flame Publishing House – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, 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.

Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller – Revell, Baker Publishing Group – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account.

American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. But her plans to bring the priceless stallion Lubor to the US are derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that will threaten her beloved horses at every turn.

Major Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate 250 horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other.

Drawn from true events of World War II, this epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love from debut novelist Nicole M. Miller will thunder into your heart like a herd of beautiful horses across a raging river.

The Yellow Badge by Addison Crimson – Independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account.

The Yellow Badge is a symbol of shame and reproach for those who wear it.
But for some, it’s a call to action.

After her parents are arrested and her brother Andrew joins the Dutch Resistance, Ruth DeVos is left to face the uncertain wrath of war alone.
But when faced with persecution and threats of forced labor arise, Ruth has no choice but to seek refuge and go into hiding. Still Waters Inn is the home of an allied Dutchman and many other refugees who are hiding from the clutches of the Nazis. It is here that Ruth joins the Resistance and begins working anonymously for La Libre Belgique– the notorious underground rebel newspaper- and where she meets the quiet and intriguing Ezra Pik.

As the war rages on with no end in sight, hope becomes dire as courage falters and they must all learn to lean on their faith in order to preserve their freedom. But the enemy lurks closer than any of them knew, and whispers of betrayal soon ensnare them as they are handed over to the Germans and their actions are brought to a dangerous light.

In the end, Ruth must take a stand in the face of her enemy and learn the true value of love and liberty, faith and freedom- and what it costs to keep them.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 11 2025 (after 12 pm) REMEMBER TO CHECK GIVEAWAY EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH TITLE!

Conversations With Kav – Best Reads Holiday Bingo!

I enjoyed our Summer Bingo Readathon so much, I thought it might be fun to try my hand at a Holiday version. It’s a mix of Autumn/Thanksgiving and Winter/Christmas prompts and fits nicely between the Canadian and American Thanksgivings.

And this time there will be TWO WINNERS! The Prize? $20 gift certificates: Baker Book House for US winners Indigo or Amazon for Canadian winners.

Once again, I conquered Canva and managed to create a Bingo card, only I have one typo. Can you spot it? Extra point if you do!

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

Bingo runs from Monday October 13 2025 Friday November 27 2025
Read a book that fits a prompt (or prompts) to fill in a square (or squares)
So yes, that means, one book could fit multiple prompts. Example: if you read a book featuring a heroine traveling home to spend Christmas with her family and the cover has a snowy scene including a night sky on the cover, you could mark off 5 squares (Christmas activity, snow on the cover, star or night sky on the cover, book set in the winter and family centered story)
10 chances at a Bingo – 4 rows across, 4 rows down, 2 diagonal rows
Your name will be entered into a draw every time you get a Bingo (so the potential for 10 times)
Bonus round: Fill your entire card to have your name entered 5 more times
Once you’ve achieved a Bingo, submit the prompts and corresponding books to me at kavluvstoread@yahoo.ca. using BINGO in the subject field
Technically, you have until midnight EST November 27 to submit all your entries, but it would be easier on me to have them trickling in throughout October and November.
Winner will be announced on Saturday November 28 2025

More About the Prompts

Gold or Brown on the Cover : self-explanatory
Christmas Activity in the Story : at least one significant scene where the hero and/or heroine participate in some kind of Christmas activity. Could be church related, family oriented, community focused etc.
Atmospheric Read : this is going to mean different things to different people. Basically it’s a story that evokes strong emotions and a distinctive mood. The kind of story a reader becomes immersed in.
Book Set in the Winter: self-explanatory
Story with a Dinner Scene: this should be a significant type of dinner. Maybe a Thanksgiving feast or a Christmas brunch but it could also be a restaurant date, or friends grabbing dinner after a day of shopping. The scene should move the story forward somehow, so like in a mystery, they might be discussing clues, or a couple on a date could be getting to know each other better or working out a problem. Should be more substantial than “They grabbed a bite to eat and headed over to the movie theatre.” 🙂
Travelling home – Either the hero or heroine travel home for a holiday, some sort of celebration, to help an ailing relative/friend, attend a funeral, accept an inheritance…etc, you get the idea.
Giving thanks for good friends – a story with a strong friendship in the plot or subplot
Star of night sky on the cover – self-explanatory
Book by an author you are thankful for – read a book by a fave author
Family centered story – any sort of family makeup – siblings, extended family even found family. These characters play an important role in the story.
Red AND green on the cover – both colours need to be represented on the front cover.
Book set in Autumn – self-explanatory
Gift giving is featured in the story – any kind of gift, doesn’t have to be Christmas, could even be the gift of service.
Snow on the cover – self-explanatory
Thankful for Christian Fiction – read a Christian Fiction novel
Cozy Read – whatever you think of as a cozy, comfort read. For me that’s usually a cozy mystery or a reread.

Phew! I think that’s everything. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments. And let the holiday reading begin!

October Giveaway – Week One

won by Parkland Mom

Woke up to a fun email this morning. Author Jennifer Pierce happened on my review here and offered to provide an autographed copy of Trail of Suspicion to one lucky winner. And I’ll still do my draw so — yay — two winners!

won by Lucy (autographed)

won by Angie Adams

won by Sarah

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:

Edam and Weep

When a fundraiser turns fatal, Carly Hale is confronted by a trail of clues that all point to her mother as the culprit . . .

When the local high school hosts a fundraiser, restaurant owner Carly Hale is happy to sign on and enlists her mother’s help selling her much-loved grilled cheese sandwiches at the school. But no good deed goes unpunished, and the vendor stationed next to them at the event turns out to be aggressively rude and bullies them both. Never one to be pushed, Carly’s mom gives the man a vicious tongue-lashing and assumes that’s the end of it—until later that day when the man is found dead, strangled with her scarf.

With her mom on the hook for murder, Carly has no choice but to find out who killed the man and why. It turns out the victim had always been bad news and had racked up a long list of enemies. One of those enemies may have been the menacing stranger Carly saw lurking on the edges of the fundraiser, but her intuition tells her the murdered man’s girlfriend may have been mixed up in it too. Certain one of them—or both—did the deadly deed, Carly realizes too late that all her sleuthing has landed her next on the killer’s hit list . . .

Includes tantalizing grilled-cheese sandwich recipes!

My Review:

Warning: reading this book may result in extreme grilled cheese cravings. Read at own risk. And I love that the author delights her readers with tantalizing adaptations of this classic sandwich staple. I had just as much fun reading about the ingenuous recipe ideas as I did following the mystery!

And that mystery — delightfully twisty-turny with plenty of suspects since the victim was so obnoxious! And, sadly, one of those suspects is Carly’s mom so…a girl sleuth has to do what a girl sleuth has to do! And this murder investigation couldn’t come at a worse time! Because Carly’s personal life is already complicated enough.

Love these characters and the growth we’ve seen in them all with each new book. The cozy aspects of this mystery are so heartwarming and comforting. Friends and family who always have your back. A cute rescue pup. The restaurant that’s like a second home to half the town. And, of course, the romance! Happy sigh!

The author has struck the perfect balance between cozy and mystery and both aspects of the story kept me frantically turning pages….well, avidly listening since I enjoyed the audio book narrated by the wonderful Mia Gaskin. She’s been the narrator for the entire series and I love that continuity. She has done a fantastic job with these characters which keeps me turning to the audio editions for my Grilled Cheese Mysteries fix.

My thanks to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.