Kav's Best Reads

Detecting Deadly Threats + Giveaway

With ruthless criminals closing in,
this K-9 is on a mission to defend.

Amateur photographer Lauren Hollander narrowly escapes a kidnapping attempt—moments before a disastrous earthquake rocks her small town, destroying her store. She’s saved from the rubble by Zachery Kimball and his search and rescue K-9, Ranger. Someone is determined to get to Lauren—but who, and why? Is it tied to her brother’s criminal past? Or are the culprits after the pictures on her camera? Under Zach and Ranger’s protection, Lauren races to discover the truth behind all the attacks. But as the danger escalates, can they survive long enough to untangle the mystery that’s putting their lives on the line?

My Review:

I love a good K-9 hero in a romantic suspense and Ranger fits the trope perfectly. He’s trained in search and rescue but his side hustle seems to be protection!

Carol J. Post delivers thrilling intensity from the earth shattering (pun intended) opening scene through all the hair raising ones that follow. I love it when I’m kept on the edge throughout the read and the author delivered that in both the suspense and the romance departments. I had so many questions! So many theories (that got wilder, the deeper I got into the story!) I was totally off base on so many accounts, but it was fun trying my hand at armchair sleuthing. Love the way the romance gradually builds in the midst of the chaos, providing sweet pockets of respite from all that intensity.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Detecting Deadly Threats‘ narrated by Emma Lysy . She is becoming a familiar voice and I appreciate the talent she brings to every performance. From characters to pacing, Lysy captured the heart of the story which increased my enjoyment of this compelling romantic suspense.

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

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 Detecting Deadly Threats, 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 20 2025

Not Exactly Mr Darcy + Giveaway

Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book.

Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . .and that love can be found in unexpected ways.

My Review:

I love finding a good title/cover art tie in to a book and does Miller ever deliver that with her first Silver Teapot Series! I actually got a shivery thrill when I saw that cover scene play out and when I read ‘not exactly Mr Darcy’ right on the page! Eeeeppp!!! Is it weird that I get giddy over little details like that? Probably, but it really does tie all the elements of a story together and I appreciate that level of attention to detail.

And, really, what’s not to love about a contemporary romance with an Austenish flare? Not a retelling, per say, more like Pride and Prejudice adjacent. While visiting her grandmother in England, history loving Liv becomes involved in the restoration of a heritage manor house. The exact house that just happened to be made famous in a P&P dramatization. In the process she clashes with the gruff (squealll…grumpy hero alert!) gardener she has an unfortunate encounter with on the grounds.

And that’s when the fun really begins….lots of drama too! Because, no surprise, Liam and Liv tend to clash…a lot. She’s a force of nature with an unlimited imagination and tons of marketing ideas for the property. Ideas which mean change, and change isn’t something Liam is comfortable with.

This is an almost enemies to more trope with a s-l-o-w build to friendship and a reluctant attraction that neither Liam nor Liv want to act on. So, lots of delicious romantical longing that kept me eagerly turning pages.

Tons of wonderful secondary characters encourage (and discourage) our hero and heroine in different ways, adding lots of depth to the story. Emotions run deep and issues need to be faced and worked through before Liam and Liv have a hope of achieving that storybook happily ever which makes for an exquisite reading experience.

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 Not Exactly Mr Darcy, 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 20 2025.

Out of Time + Giveaway

For historical anthropologist Cara Tucker, the chance to spend a sabbatical semester on a remote country estate–with full access to its vast library and centuries-old journals–is a dream come true . . . until a series of strange incidents begin to turn her dream into a nightmare. Someone, it seems, does not want anyone diving into the past and unearthing old ghosts.
 
Sheriff Brad Adams has seen his share of suspicious activities during his law enforcement career, but what’s happening at the isolated estate is out-of-pattern in his quiet, rural Missouri county. Beset by danger, Cara and Brad work together to try to untangle the clues. But when the peril turns lethal, the situation takes on a new urgency, and their mission is Find out who is behind the string of menacing incidents before the perpetrator strikes another deadly blow. 
 
Hannon presents another page-turning thriller in Out of Time where danger lurks in every shadow.

My Review:

Eeeeppp!!! So excited that my audible copy of the third book in the ‘Undaunted Courage‘ series finally arrived! There was a delay in the audio book release so I had an extra two months to anticipate. It was excruciating, but so worth it because Therese Plummer’s narrations amplify my enjoyment of Irene Hannon’s stories. Her performance delivers all the emotion and tension and taut action scenes in such a captivating way. And all the characters have distinctive voices. That Hannon/Plummer combination held me enthralled once again. Well worth the delay!

So, a romantic suspense with a whole lot of heart and nuggets of faith threaded throughout. Exactly what I’ve come to expect from this author’s novels. Characters with emotional depth and the kind of mystery with enough suspects to make things interesting and plenty of twists along the way. Kept me on the edge of my sleuthing armchair! And the romance has a gentle, slow build that was so satisfying to read!

‘Out of Time’ brings the ‘Undaunted Courage’ series to an outstanding close.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – 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 Out of Time, 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 20 2025

Conversations with Kav – a Christmas Word Game + Giveaway

I belonged to a tight-knit group of school librarians and we always gathered together for a little festive party close to Christmas. We were an eclectic group with rather bookish ideas about what made a great party entertainment. Things like gathering at someone’s house and watching a book adaptation, reading snippets of Christmas scenes from favourite books, sharing holiday picture books and sourcing all kinds of word games to bring out our competitive natures. Two industrious librarians even created a kid’s lit trivial pursuit game. Oh…and I can’t forget the year we played Family Feud with the participants acting as fictional families from actual novels. Sigh. I can’t believe I am admitting all this in public. So yes, we were all book nerds and proud of it. 🙂

So, today I thought it would be fun to share one of those word games. It’s a simple matter of identifying the Christmas Carol / Song by the rather unorthodox wordy clue. Some are pretty easy and others are head scratchers. Of course, there will be a giveaway, so check for details at the end of this post. 🙂

If you’d like to play – note the number and your translation in a comment below. As people guess correctly, I’ll add those answers to this list so we will all be enlightened by the end of the day (hopefully)

GUESS THE CHRISTMAS CAROLS!

Approach Everyone Who Is Steadfast – O Come All Ye Faithful
Ecstasy Toward the Orb – Joy to the World
Listen, the Foretelling Spirits Harmonize – Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Hey, Minuscule Urban Area Southwest of Jerusalem – O Little Town of Bethlehem
Quiescent Nocturnal Period – Silent Night
The Autocratic Troika Originating Near the Accent of Apollo – We Three Kings of Orient Are
The Primary Carol – The First Noel
Embellish the Corridors – Deck the Halls
I Apprehended My Maternal Parent Osculating with a Corpulen, Unshaven Male in Crimson Disguise – I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
I’m Fantasizing Concerning a Blanched Yuletide – I‘m Dreaming of a White Christmas
My Singular Desire For the Impending Yuletide Season is Receipt of a Pair of Central Incisors – All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth
During the Time Ovine Caretakers Supervised Their Charges Past Twilight – While Shepherds Watch Their Flock by Night
Celestial Messengers From Splendid Empires – Angels from the Realms of Glory
The Event Occurred at One Minute aFter 11:59 – Visibility Unlimited – It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
The Coniferous Nativity – O Christmas Tree
What Offspring Abides Thus? – What Child is This?
Removed in a Bovine Feeding Trough – Away in a Manger
Creator Cool It Ya Kooky Cats – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Seraphim We Aurally Detect in the Stratosphere – Angels We Have Heart On High
Valentino, the Roseate Proboscissed Wapati – Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Father Christmas Approaches the Metropolis – Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Ag Glockenspiels – Silver Bells
The Slight Percussionist Lad – The Little Drummer Boy
Ornament the Enclosure With Large Sprigs of a Berry Bearing Evergreen – Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
Anticipation of this Noel’s Memento’s; Nil – I’m Getting nothin’ for Christmas
The Approach of the Holiday Commemorating the Birth of Christ is Becoming Evident – It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
A Meterological Melody is Manifest – There’s a Song in the Air
The Yuletide’s Diurnal Dozen – The 12 Days of Christmas
Please Permit Pristine Precipitation – Let it Snow
‘Rimey’, the Mannequin of Crystalline H2O – Frosty the Snowman
Our Desire is Your Yuletide Cheer – We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Aged Matriarch Plowed Under by Precipitous Darlings – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
Are You Experiencing Parallel Auditory Input? – Do You Hear What I Hear?
Endeavor to personally experience singular, minuscule Yule! – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

Participate in the name the Christmas Carol game OR share a Christma tradition you enjoy during this festive season in a comment and you’ll be entered in a draw for a:

$15 gift card – Baker Book House for US winner, Amazon or Indigo for Canadian winner

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 20 2025

December 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: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