Kav's Best Reads

December Giveaway – Week Two

won by Caryl Kane

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:Su

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!

The Maid of Ballymacool + Giveaway

Random Retro ReRead

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.

My Review:

published in 2023

I didn’t know this was a fairy tale retelling when I started reading/listening, but I immediately thought of Cinderella as the story progressed and, lo and behold, it actually is a retelling of that classic tale! And incredibly well done. There are definitely departures from the original, but all the important elements are here and told in an exquisite storytelling style. Jennifer Deibel’s best ever (to date.)

Have to say right up front that I was beguiled by Caroline Lennon’s narration. She breathed a whole other dimension into this story — especially when it came to Irish words and names. And there’s something magical about listening to a seanchai (Gaelic storyteller) and that’s what this read felt like. I’m still basking in all the bookish glee. 🙂

And this story!!! Beautifully written, expertly paced — you know, that feeling where you are so immersed in the story that you want to stay there forever? And, though you’re dying to find all the answers and get to the happily very after, you’re also not in any rush to do so? That’s the kind of read this is.

And these characters!!! I might have a huge crush on Michael. Be still my heart. Tender and kind. Not afraid to stand up for what’s right. He doesn’t take his advantageous position in life for granted. Plus, he’s a reader. With an Irish accent! Does it get any better than that? I think not!

Brianna’s smitten as well, though she’s wary because how could a scullery maid make a match with an aristocrat? But Deibel has all kinds of surprises in store for this couple (and her readers) that flow together like, well, a fairy tale!

The perfect uplifting escape read with tons of charm.

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 Maid of Ballymacool, 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 December 13 2025

Under the Scottish Sky : a Beauty and the Beast Retelling + Giveaway

In the rolling lowlands of eighteenth-century Scotland, Isabel Nicol is known for her fiery spirit, hot temper, and striking beauty. But when her father is accused of trespassing and theft by the occupant of a mysterious castle, Isabel’s fortitude is tested as never before. Desperate to save her father from debtors’ prison and her sisters from certain ruin, she strikes a daring her freedom for her father’s release.

Luke Maxwell has fled his home in England in a hasty bid to outrun the dark magic that has made his life a misery. Confined within the ancient walls of Caerlaverock Castle, his only hope is to marry a woman who has made a sacrifice of love—a requirement that Isabel has now fulfilled. Convincing her to accept his hand should be an easy task for an English gentleman with means. Unfortunately, Luke’s resolve to break the curse can be rivaled only by Isabel’s determination never to marry. As they navigate their complicated arrangement, an unexpected friendship grows, but opening their hearts to a future they never thought possible will require that they first put their trust in God and heal from the shadows of their pasts.

My Review:

Whoa! What an amazing debut novel! I’m left a little addlepated after reading Crawford’s reimagining of Beauty and the Beast. Sheer brilliance about sums it up and I am an avid retelling fan so I don’t take these reinterpretations lightly. I’m always amazed at the way an author can blend folklore traditions with their own unique plotting and this author has meshed the two into an amazing historical romance with emotional depth and light (but significant) touches of faith.

Setting the tale in the Scottish lowlands adds an extra thrill and the way Isobel winds up prisoner at Caerlaverock Castle is cleverly crafted. And oh my, but Luke is definitely type-cast for the role of Beast! I wasn’t sure what to make of him at first. Luckily Isobel’s fiery temper helps her match wits with Luke despite having spent the last few years striving to honour her mother’s memory by living up to the admonishment to strive to ‘be kind.’

There’s such a delicious push/pull between Luke and Isobel. Mostly because Luke keeps getting everything wrong! Sometimes it’s laugh out loud funny, while other times I found myself cringing. Silly man! But there are tender moments too. And awkwardly sweet ones. The kind of romance that tugs at a reader’s heartstrings.

And the whole story plays out in an unhurried manner, with captivating secondary characters to add to the heartwarming ambience of a classic fairy tale. Crawford’s exquisite storytelling invites a reader to settle in and savour every artfully crafted scene. In fact, I stopped listening several times just because I didn’t want my time with these characters to be over!

And yes, that means this is another audible ‘read’ for me, narrated by the fabulous Noah Wall. She always delivers an exceptional listening experience.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook

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 Under the Scottish Sky, 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 December 13 2025

At the Edge of a Dark Forest + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Cole Harrison, a war veteran, wears his disfigurement like a barrier to those who might love him, shielding them from the ugliness inside. He agrees to try and potentially invest in, a prototype prosthetic with the goal of saving a hopeless man’s dreams.

Carly Rose contracts to live with Cole and train him to use his new limbs, only to discover the darkness that wars against the man he could become.
At the Edge of a Dark Forest is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Only it is not her love that will make him whole.

My Review:

A unique contemporary reimagining of Beauty and the Beast that’s saturated in emotion and faith.

There are some darker elements to this story which had me a bit wary at first. I was worried that Cole’s issues would be dealt with superficially (this is a novella, after all) and the seriousness of the situation warranted so much more. Almony proved my concerns were baseless though, and after finishing ‘At the Edge of a Dark Forest’, I wasn’t surprised to discover that she has a background in Christian counselling. What a powerful overcoming faith journey!

Loved the way the author wove classic fairy tale elements into this modern day retelling. Sometimes obvious, other times more subtle and genuinely unique to this particular story. This is my first Connie Almony reading experience but I’ll definitely be reading more of her books after finishing this compelling fairy tale retelling.

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 At the Edge of a Dark Forest, 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 December 13 2025.

The Maid of Sherwood Forest + Giveaway

Mariah thought Robin Hood was just a legend—until time pulled her into his world and the outlaw stole her heart.

Nothing about Mariah Clinton’s passion for archery or her work as a sous-chef in contemporary London prepares her for the moment she’s pulled into another time—and another life. One minute, she’s stepping into McQuivey’s Costume Shop to rent a medieval gown. The next, she’s standing in a castle kitchen in twelfth-century Nottingham—with no idea how she got there or how to return to modern time. Forced to pose as a kitchen servant, she must draw on ingenuity and courage to survive in a world in which she shouldn’t exist. But when her skill with a bow draws the attention of outlaws in Sherwood Forest, she’s swept into a conflict that is more dangerous—and more thrilling—than she could ever have imagined.

Robin Hood has spent years outwitting the sheriff, protecting the innocent, and keeping his men one step ahead of Prince John’s reach. But when he crosses paths with a mysterious archer who shoots like no woman he’s ever met, he knows she’s hiding something. Her words, her ways, even the fire in her eyes—none of it belongs in his time. Yet the more she stands at his side, the harder it becomes to imagine Sherwood Forest without her.

Mariah is torn between a past she understands in modern-day London and an uncertain future with an outlaw who has stolen her heart. But as the sheriff’s grip tightens and betrayal looms, one truth becomes clear—some choices are impossible to undo, and love, once found, is not so easily left behind.

My Review:

Whoa — just as riveting as the first book in Bessey’s McQuivey’s Costume Shop Romance series! And absolutely no worries for readers who aren’t into time travelling in fiction — this one mostly takes place in the historical setting. Of course, there is the whole push/pull with the romance because how could it ever work between a 21st century woman and a 12th century outlaw? Why, exceptionally well, as it turns out, if Sian Ann Bessey is the storyteller!

Loved the unhurried way the story evolves. It’s never boring and there’s always a purpose to every scene but I didn’t feel rushed towards the epic turning point scenes. I just settled in to enjoy every lovely nuance of Mariah and Robin’s story. And, oh my, but did Bessey ever delight with the brazen Robin Hood exploits. So audacious and funny at the same time. I literally cheered a time or two. And the camaraderie between Robin and his men! Priceless!

Then there’s Mariah coming to grips with her altered reality. Well plotted, especially the way the author matches up Mariah’s talents to her circumstances in medieval times. Absolutely brilliant! As is the way she meets Robin Hood for the very first time. Honestly, a dream of a read from start to finish.

Or, in my case, listen, since I enjoyed the audible edition of ‘The Maid of Sherwood Forest.’ I thoroughly enjoyed the dual narration by Elizabeth Knowelden and Thomas Judd. They seemed to relish this story as much as I did and it showed in their performance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook

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 The Maid of Sherwood Forest, 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 December 13 2025

The Heart of Bennet Hollow + Giveaway

An Appalachian farmer’s daughter and a wealthy businessman find a surprising love but must reckon with what divides them in this retelling of Jane Austen’sPride and Prejudice by the award-winning author ofThe Lady and the Lionheart .

New River, Virginia. 1904. Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, securing a future for her and her sisters, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. Money is scarce, and Lizbeth is determined to find a way without giving up treasured pieces of her family’s legacy. But when the mine is put up for sale, it’s clear change is approaching. A contingent of coal barons descends on the town to investigate whether the mine is worth their investment, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor.

William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople, especially those living on land entangled with the mine, including a farmer by the name of Bennet. As William digs through legal issues, his struggle to weigh the potential financial gain against what is right for the community grows more complicated when he meets one of the Bennet daughters.

Despite an awkward first meeting, Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, and soon Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. But just as their friendship begins to evolve, a revelation shakes Lizbeth’s tenuous trust, and she learns all may not be as it seems. To determine what is true, and step toward a love she’s barely dared dream of, Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices . . . and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all.

My Review:

Joanne Bischof DeWitt always provides an immersive reading experience and ‘The Heart of Bennet Hollow’ is no exception. In fact I’m a little tongue-tied (or finger-knotted?) over trying to write this review. Yes, it’s that good!

First off, DeWitt’s wordsmithing captures the essence of each character, fleshing them into living, breathing people a reader can happily either love or…dislike strongly! And the way she brings the Appalachian culture and setting to life is delightful. I really grasped the sense of community in the coal mining town. Admired it too! So, I was already transported into an otherworld kind of fictional charm, and then to add in all the ‘Pride and Prejudice’ twists, well that just elevated the storytelling that much more.

Here’s where I should say that, while I am not an ardent Austen fan, I have read most of her books, watched multiple movie adaptations and have definite opinions on who played the ‘true’ Mr. Darcy. However, I’m not the avid reader who can spew quotes, name every secondary character in every book and match previously mentioned quotes to the right characters. Even so, I thrilled to the clever ways DeWitt melded her unique story with the familiar twists of this Austen classic. And that’s one of the things I love about reading a retelling! Because, despite knowing the ultimate outcome of the story, I know it will be an interesting reading time getting there!

You might think the world didn’t need another ‘Pride and Prejudice’ reimagining but you’d be wrong. My library is definitely better for adding ‘The Heart of Bennet Hollow’ to its shelves. A wonderful blend of familiar and distinctively new made this an unputdownable, keeper shelf kind of read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Heart of Bennet Hollow, 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 December 13 2025

December Giveaway – Week One

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:

No Conversations with Kav this Sunday. Tomorrow is the kind of overbooked seasonal day that happens from time to time. I have church in the morning, a friend visiting from out of town in the afternoon, a Carol Concert early evening followed by a potluck so….not only won’t I be around most of the day, I’ll be too addlepated from all the fesitivies to make much sense anyway!

HOWEVER

You might notice a theme in the book reviews this coming week. I blame it on reading ‘The Heart of Bennet Hollow’ several weeks ago which triggered a craving for more retellings, fairy tale or otherwise, which sent me on a hunt and even re-reading a bunch which then led me to thinking it would be fun to do a whole week’s worth of Retelling / Reimagining novels and here we are…with several more books to spare. So, this week there will be a giveaway for every book, Monday – Friday, just remember to check edition availabilities for each book.

Hate You, Maybe

When the stakes are win, lose, or fall … and love is not in their lesson plan.

Sayla Kroft has only two goals this year:

Score the big district grant to rebuild her high school’s dilapidated theater.
Avoid Dexter Michaels, the flirty-flirt athletic director who wants those same funds for the gym. Losing to her workplace enemy—again—is not on Sayla’s never-ending to-do list. Neither is being trapped with her maddening coworker at a professional retreat.

Or noticing his relentlessly crooked smile is actually kind of … hot.

But just as she’s beginning to believe Dex might not be the devil himself, the two are forced to switch job titles to prove their collaborative spirit. That’s when Sayla realizes her competition is fiercer than she imagined, which leaves her with an impossible choice:

Fall for Dex and risk losing the grant … or stop at nothing to win, and risk losing everything.

My Review:

A great enemies to more romance that lightens the angst with lots of fun snarky banter. Sayla is so anti-Dex in the beginning that I was worried I wouldn’t be able to relate to her at first, but snippets of her backstory reveal hidden depths and I soon became her enthusiastic cheerleader. Especially once they head out on that professional retreat and our enemies to more trope stretches into close proximity where sparks start sizzling and hearts begin to soften.

Sayla and Dex remind me of Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe (my first experience with literary romance!) They have that same kind of competitive vibe where Sayla/Anne takes it way more seriously than Dex/Gilbert. Loved finding that personal childhood to adult connection in this story. I was just as emotionally invested in Sayla and Dex’s romance as I was in Anne and Gilbert’s decades ago!

And the way the author draws on the complex stumbling blocks that threaten to keep them apart kept me compulsively reading. Because how could everything get sorted when obviously only one of them can win that coveted grant money?! Love the way hope threads through it all. And this hero and heroine finding the courage to take risks and believe in second chances adds even more emotional depth and balances the brilliant rom/com moments perfectly.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Hate You, Maybe’ and thoroughly enjoyed the dual narration provided by Amanda Friday and Andy Harrington. Their performance helped me connect to the characters even more. Love the energy and comic pacing they brought to the narration, as well as all the emotion they managed to convey with only their voices. Made for an attention-grabbing listening experience.

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

12 Days of Mistletoe Kisses

Random Retro Read

How to end up in Christmas kissing lessons with your downstairs enemy…

Break apartment rules? Guilty.
Send holiday cards to the downstairs neighbor’s grandma? Done.
Accidentally become said neighbor’s fake girlfriend for a family Christmas photo? Wait, what?

I, Bonnie Miller, am no troublemaker. I’m just an anxious girl trying to keep my emotional support pup in a no-pets apartment building. But my downstairs neighbor is determined to be my personal Grinch and get us both evicted.

Just when I think things can’t get any worse, Elliot Eaton offers me a deal I can’t refuse. Suddenly I’m playing girlfriend and giving mistletoe kisses to my sworn enemy, all to keep my home.

Who knew that breaking one little rule would lead to a fan-mistletoe-tastic holiday?

12 Days of Mistletoe is a closed door, laugh out loud, warm your wintery heart romcom. If you need a book with all the feels, some mistletoe kisses, and lots of holiday spirit, look no further!

My Review:

published in 2024

A lovely combination of enemies to more morphing into fake dating. Add in a wily granny matchmaker and things really start to get interesting in this light-hearted rom/com with plenty of emotional depth. I particularly appreciate the mental health representation as Bonnie deals with severe anxiety. The author approaches the topic with grace and empathy and, of course, by providing Bonnie with an adorable service dog who changes her life for the better. Only her apartment doesn’t allow pets.

That’s the cue for Mr. Stringent Rule Follower, Elliot, to take action. He has taken over management of the complex for his grandmother and he isn’t about to let anyone take advantage of her. But his intention to evict the erstwhile rule-breaking tenant goes completely awry and he finds himself fake dating her instead!

Chaos ensues amidst a flurry of festive activities that often include Elliot’s highly entertaining family including that matchmaking granny! Oh and mistletoe. Copious amounts of mistletoe. So much fun, but infused with emotional depth as well. A heartwarming rom/com wrapped up in just the right amount of holiday cheer.

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition narrated by Stephanie Rose and Andy Harrington. Their dual narration added extra zest to the story and I definitely recommend the audio book to discerning audiobook fans.

Speaking of which:

12 Days of Mistletoe is currently on sale on Chirpbooks for .99! It’s also available on KU.

Angels Walking + Giveaway

random retro re-read

Somewhere in heaven, a decision has been made. An Angels Walking team has been assigned to a desperate mission: a broken baseball player, the love he left behind, and the miracle that might save a whole city. When angels walk, most people never know, never see. But they are there. And sometimes the stakes are so high, all of heaven stands ready.

One-time national baseball hero Tyler Ames lost everyone he loves on a quest to make it to the big leagues. Then, just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler hits rock bottom. Across the country, Tyler’s only love, Sami Dawson, has moved on.

A series of small miracles leads Tyler to a maintenance job at a retirement home and a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s, who strangely might have the answers he so desperately seeks.

A team of Angels Walking takes on the mission to see hope restored for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia. Can the small and seemingly insignificant actions of the unseen bring healing and redemption? Can the words of a stranger restore lost love? Every journey begins with a step.

It is time for the mission to begin.

My Review:

published in 2016

An amazing and awe-inspiring read. Seriously good. It was so easy to lose myself in this new community of angels and humans that Kingsbury has created. The story generated goosebumps on top of goosebumps all the way through. I loved the way the reader gets a bird’s eye view of God’s miracles. How one action builds upon another, even though they are seemingly unrelated. A domino effect of blessings that testify of His love. Told from multiple viewpoints, some scenes are short, others longer but the impeccable pacing builds to a crescendo of a climax. A panoramic view of how heaven and earth combine to bring the healing power of redemption into our lives. A definite must read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Angels Walking, 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 December 6 2025.