Kav's Best Reads

Of Gold and Shadows + Giveaway

The shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined. . . .

In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for saving black-market artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker.

After eight years in India, Oxford’s most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor’s determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin–rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk–surfaces, and they’re left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows. . . .

My Review:

A luscious mix of history and mystery and the Egyptology aspect makes the story that much more interesting. I’ve always been fascinated by the Victorian’s antiquities obsession. Lots of fodder for intrigue and drama and Griep delivers that in the aptly titled ‘Of Gold and Shadows.’

An alluring plot fraught with danger and betrayal. An independent heroine ahead of her time. A hero with something to prove (or so he thinks.) I get delicious thrills just thinking about the way their love story plays out especially as it contains a significant faith thread. Humour in unexpected places along with some very enjoyable banter lightened the ‘shadowy’ parts of the story. But, of course, there are plot twists!

Lots of intriguing layers to delve through and secondary characters to love (or hate!) I especially adored Edmund’s quirky staff! This author is a masterful storyteller and her talent shines in this first ‘Time’s Lost Treasures’ novel. I can’t wait for book twos release this summer!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Of Gold and Shadows, 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 March 15 2025.

Conversations with Kav – Irish Blessings + Giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Favourite St. Patrick’s Day themed book

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

AND/OR

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

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

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

March Giveaway – Week Two

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:

Please remember to check giveaway details (paperback, ebook, either/or, gently read etc.) each day as they will vary and check for the ‘+ giveaway’ notice added after the title . Titles without that addition are review only.

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!

Match Made at the Amish Inn

Sometimes love is what you need. Even if it’s not what you want.

Running the local Amish inn is the only reason Molly Esch has gained back her confidence after being jilted at the altar. When the owner is suddenly injured, Molly’s sure she’ll be promoted. Except the owner asks her widowed nephew, Aaron Fisher, for help instead. Now Molly’s forced to work alongside the handsome single father, and with his grand ideas for change, they clash right away. But their disagreements soon give way to something deeper. Neither wants to risk their heart again, but facing their fears could lead them to a forever partnership…

My Review:

I do so love the way Marta Perry spins a tale – a whirlwind of love and laughter with just enough angst to keep things interesting.

Molly and Aaron fit the opposite attracts mold to perfection. She’s the sweet, outgoing, has never met a stranger type while he’s more of a brooding introvert. It’s only natural that there’s some clashing of wills when they are thrown together working at the inn. And it doesn’t help that Aaron’s convalescing aunt has matchmaking on the mind. Gotta love a devious Amish matchmaker.

Of course, things don’t go according to plan as Molly and Aaron’s love story takes on a life of it’s own much to my reader’s delight. First comes the uneasy truce, and then a friendship of sorts, but when their stubbornness gets in the way things start to get complicated.

Captivating secondary characters add to the charm of this sweet romance as does the whole Amish community. Love the way the author weaves every last detail into an emotionally satisfying story.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Match Made at the Amish Inn’, narrated by Maayan Voss who did a wonderful job breathing life into these characters through her engaging performance.

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

Hiding the Witness + Giveaway

Rescuing a child makes a killer’s target.

Racing into a burning cabin to search for survivors, firefighter Diana Cameron stumbles upon an unconscious child—and two bodies with bullet wounds. When a sniper targets their narrow escape, Diana has no choice but to team up with bodyguard Chase Mitchell to keep the little girl safe. Uncovering the identity of the murder victims is the only way to find the killer. But as they’re chased by gunmen into the mountain wilderness, can they protect a tiny witness from the unknown…when the truth is more sinister than they imagined?

My Review:

Whoa – what a compelling romantic suspense! I listened to the audio edition, and I have to say that narrator Alexis Vandom’s performance increased my appreciation of the storytelling that much more. The way she delivers the dialogue – especially when Diana and Chase are sniping at each other — just brilliant! She draws out the tension, infuses emotion into these characters and just made the story more engaging for me. Excellent narration.

And the story? Phew! High-octane intrigue from the get go. Excellent pacing. Even though the danger is relentless and Chase and Diana face endless obstacles, the author creates enough breathing space for a believable relationship to develop. And that sweet little girl they are protecting adds a poignant touch to the story. As does the inspirational thread the author has deftly woven throughout – even in the midst of uncertain peril.

I need to read more of Deena Alexander’s novels, including catching up on her backlist because it looks like this book is part of a series featuring Chase’s private security team. (No worries though – it reads well as a standalone.) But I’m intrigued now that I’ve met the whole gang and I need to know all their stories.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hiding the Witness, 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 March 8 2025.

An Overdue Match + Giveaway

If the covers of every romance book ever published hadn’t convinced librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn’t heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what’s a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that’s what. Armed with library patrons’ check-out histories, she’s determined to make at least one love connection—even if it’s not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn’t surprise him when the town’s quirky new librarian does the same thing and believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can’t help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline’s secret matchmaking scheme, he’s not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can’t judge a book—or each other—by the cover.

My Review:

‘An Overdue Match’ will definitely make my ‘Top 10 in 2025’ list. It’s funny and flirty but hard-hitting too. I experienced a mash-up of emotions from snort laughing to teary-eyed and everything in between. I love feeling my way through a story and Monzon always delivers that for me.

Evangeline is a heroine after my own heart. She’s a kindred book nerd – “a book doesn’t have feelings but it has a soul.” This is one passionate librarian who ferociously guards her charges (aka books) from the perils of careless borrowers. Enter tattoo artist Tai and their tumultuous meet cute sets the stage for rom/com delight.

Loved the bantering, Tai’s teasing. He takes such pleasure in pushing Evangeline’s buttons. And when he starts trying out nicknames for her…be still my heart. I was constantly swooning into a puddle the rest of the read. He has this bad boy persona that is completely opposite to what he’s really like. Judged by a few youthful indiscretions, there are plenty of folks in town who see his return ( to open a tattoo parlour no less!) as Bad News. Of course Evangeline isn’t as immune to Tai’s rakish charms as she claims to be and a delightful game of cat and mouse ensues. Highly entertaining!

But while the comedic beats are measured out to perfection, it is the deeper inspirational threads that elevate Evangeline and Tai’s story to the ‘memorable, rereadable, keeper shelf’ status. So touching and poignant . And inspiring. I appreciate the autoimmune rep and the role it played in the drama and conflict…and ultimately triumph.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘An Overdue Match’ (cute title that totally fits!) narrated by Allyson Morgan. Loved the way she portrayed these characters and delivered dialogue. Listening to the story added to its emotional impact. I so appreciate these talented performers who bring beloved stories to life.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Overdue Match, 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 March 8 2025.

Grace’s Pictures + Giveaway

Random Retro ReRead

Grace McCaffery hopes that the bustling streets of New York hold all the promise that the lush hills of Ireland did not. As her efforts to earn enough money to bring her mother to America fail, she wonders if her new Brownie camera could be the answer. But a casual stroll through a beautiful New York City park turns into a hostile run-in with local gangsters, who are convinced her camera holds the first and only photos of their elusive leader.

A policeman with a personal commitment to help those less fortunate finds Grace attractive and longs to help her, but Grace believes such men cannot be trusted. Spread thin between her quest to rescue her mother, do well in a new nanny job, and avoid the gang intent on intimidating her. Grace must put her faith in unlikely sources to learn the true meaning of courage and forgiveness.

My Review:

published in 2013

Thomson had me at Irish immigrant and Ellis Island. My Irish heritage is always clamouring for more Irish heroes and heroines. Erin Go Bragh! In addition, this turn of the century historical has an incredibly unique twist that adds the spice of suspense to an already gripping tale.

The depth in characterization and the impossible but historically accurate situations made this a riveting read. It wasn’t long before I was lost in another place and time, riveted by emotions that leapt off the page and wrapped around my heart. Grace has a traumatic past to overcome and her unwillingness to trust brings her close to disaster more then a time or two.

Grace’s Pictures will evoke images and feelings you won’t soon forget. It is a moving tribute to the courageous immigrants who made their way across Ellis Island in the hopes of creating a new and better life. An exceptional read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Grace’s Pictures, 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 March 8 2025.

March New Releases + Giveaway

It’s a new 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 March 2025 new releases on your TBR wishlist (must be Christian Fiction) and mention the title in a comment below (or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca.) If your name is drawn, that March release is the book you will win and we’re one book count closer to keeping our fave authors in business.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE TO:

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

US – paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice

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

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 8 2025.

Conversations With Kav – Historical Eras + Giveaway

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

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

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

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

Historical Fiction Questions:

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

My Favourite Historical Fiction eras:

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

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

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

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

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

My Least Favourite Historical Fiction Eras:

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

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

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

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

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

Will I follow a favourite author into an unfavourite era?

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

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