Kav's Best Reads

One Wrong Move + Giveaway

Taunting riddles.
A deadly string of heists.
Two broken hearts trapped in a killer’s game.

Christian Macleod was pulled into a life of crime at a young age by his con artist parents. Now making amends for his corrupt past, he has become one of the country’s foremost security experts. When a string of Southwestern art heists captures the FBI’s attention, Christian is paired up with a gifted insurance investigator who has her own checkered past.

Andi Forster was a brilliant FBI forensic analyst until one of her colleagues destroyed her career, blaming her for mishandling evidence. She now puts those skills to work investigating insurance fraud, and this latest high-stakes case will test her gift to the limit. Drawn deep into a dangerous game with an opponent bent on revenge, Christian and Andi are in a race against the clock to catch him, but the perpetrator’s game is far from finished, and one wrong move could be the death of them both.

My Review:

Riveting from the very first word. I listened to the audible edition, narrated by Brian Hutchison and, while I prefer a female narrator (when there’s only one) I enjoyed this performance. A compulsive listen all the way through and I’m still assimilating everything. 🙂

First off — love the pacing, the balance between romance and suspense and the camaraderie between everyone. We have Andi and her best friend and then Christian and his family who run a private security firm. I had so much fun getting to know everyone and catching a glimpse of future heroes and heroines in the series. There’s banter aplenty and some great heart-to-hearts and the kind of loyalty that comes from siblings who’ve been through a lot over the years. Their back story is soooo compelling and creates quite the inner turmoil for each of them.

There are two distinct mysteries, the art gallery heists being the major focus, but there’s also a cold/closed case being investigated by Christian’s brother along with a (hopefully) future love interest. Really liked the way the author divided up the suspense elements, and the relationships as well. Nothing felt rushed, though there was always a sense of urgency but also plenty of time to get to know the characters.

Love the New Mexico setting — haven’t read many books set in this state — and Pettrey does an amazing job of making me feel like I’ve been there. From geography to culture, her details add an armchair traveling charm to the read.

This new ‘Jeopardy Falls’ series is off to a fantastic start and now I’m anxious to dive into the second book only I can’t find any information on it. Not a title or a release date or anything. Whimper. Hopefully it will be released sooner than later because I am completely attached to these characters now and I need more!!!

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 One Wrong Move , 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 2 2024.

February Giveaway – Week Four

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 in the title and note the book editions available for each giveaway as they will vary.

Can you believe it’s March already?! Time to celebrate Christian Fiction New Releases coming out in March 2024! Woohoo!

Crime Scene Conspiracy + Giveaway

Too many mysterious deaths…not enough clues.

A string of staged deaths forces Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission to investigate a governor’s connection to the deceased women. She doesn’t trust anyone—including crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer. But when Emily’s questioning makes her the serial killer’s next target, she must turn to ex-ranger Stone for help. With threats at every turn, outrunning a merciless villain could be the last thing they do.

My Review:

Ummm….definitely clear your calendar, turn your phone off and lock yourself away from your real world, ’cause once you enter this fictional one there’s no turning back. Riveting. Compelling. Absorbing. Intriguing…and all the ‘ings’ you can think of.

I compulsively listened to ‘Crime Scene Conspiracy’ in a day and, since I have a rule that I can only listen to audio books when I’m moving, I’m sooo sore and tired! Oy, but I couldn’t hit the pause button on this one and I’m not sorry. Except that it’s all over now but — hooray — this is the first in the Texas Crime Scene series so there are more books in store and I think we’ve gotten a hint as to which Spencer sibling will be up next in the starring role. (At least, I hope so!)

Love the way the author has set the stage for the whole series. A crime scene cleaning company is such an interesting angle and the Spencer family is full of captivating characters who all seem to have unique back stories that need exploring. Eeeeep! I can’t wait!!!

This time ’round it’s older brother Stone who ends up in the thick of things, helping Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission. They’ve worked together before (he’s ex-Texas Ranger) and he’s even asked her out a time or two (she declined…crazy girl!) so it was fun to see them up close and personal once again. Awkward meet-cute leads to so much more. Great banter along with some sniping (Emily has major trust issues) paired with some lovely ‘getting to know you’ moments. And a beautiful faith thread about trust and how trusting God can open your heart to trusting others. It’s a lesson Emily has to learn the hard way.

The complex suspense kept me on the edge of my seat trying to suss out the killer right along with Emily and Stone. Nice pacing between the high point action scenes and the investigative ones until — ack! — the nail-biting conclusion. A thrill of a read all the way through.

I didn’t realize going in that this was a Christmas story. The details are light enough not to feel too seasonal if you’re reading the book any other time of the year but, if you’re looking for a Christmas read, this one definitely fits the bill with some lovely festive traditions. So — an ideal romantic suspense for any time of the year!

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 Cold Case Conspiracy , 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 February 24 2024.

Dating Can Be Deadly + Giveaway

Between her quilting circle and tending to her mischievous goats, widowed matchmaker Millie Fisher is never at a loss for things to do in her small-town Ohio community–especially when she’s solving the odd murder or two . . .

It’s August in Holmes County, and that means it’s time for the Holmes County Fair. It’s the county’s biggest annual event, drawing tourists and locals alike to see livestock, eat too much fried food, and watch the rodeo and speed racing contests. This year, Millie has entered the quilting competition–while her very not Amish best friend, Lois Henry, is distracted by her new dating app and her search for husband number five. In a place where quilting is a way of life, the competition is fierce–especially this year, when an anonymous donor doubles the winning cash prize. Amish and English women are up against each other, and some will do anything to win–even murder . . .

When someone attacks the quilt barn by slashing the quilt display, it’s unsettling enough. But when a quilting judge is found murdered, Millie knows it’s time to for Lois to get off her app and help her hunt for a killer instead–before the competition is wiped out for good . .

My Review:

I can’t wipe the Cheshire grin off my face…or should I say Peter and Phillip grin? Those naughty goats are such a hoot! And they shine in this fifth instalment of the Amish Matchmaker Mystery series. Plus, there’s an added bonus — woot! — Jethro the pig stops by to add his unique porky flair to Dating Can Be Deadly (as if there wasn’t enough going on at the fair!) For those who aren’t familiar with Jethro, he’s a star in the author’s Amish Candy Shop Mystery series and has quite the following. Some might say he’s THE star, but you’ll need to read those books to find out if that’s true. 🙂

So, Millie and Lois are back at it — stumbling over a dead body at a fair full of mysteries. Love this Amish/English senior crime fighting duo. 🙂 The story is all told from Millie’s perspective but that doesn’t stop Lois’s larger than life personality from taking over now and again, much to my delight! And while Millie might be the Amish matchmaker, Lois has decided technology is the key to her next love match. Cue the eye rolls as you picture Lois on a dating app!

The mystery is fantastic with some clever twists that had me scrambling to keep up. Once again, the author deftly weaves Amish tradition and faith throughout the story which adds a heartwarming touch in the midst of all the murder and mayhem. 🙂 And the country fair setting was cozy perfection.

Oh — and the ending?! Jumping up and down with bookish delight. Did not see that coming either!!!! More grinning and some happy dancing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Since this is the fifth book in the Amish Matchmaker Mystery Series and I think it’s best read in order — this giveaway is for any one of the books, so you can pick up where you left off, or start with number one if the series is new to you. I’ll list the titles below and please mention which book you would like to win in your comment.

#1 Matchmaking Can Be Murder

#2. Courting Can Be Killer

#3. Marriage Can Be Mischief

#4 Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous

#5 Dating Can Be Deadly

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 one of the Amish Matchmaker Mystery books , 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 February 24 2024.

REMEMBER TO MENTION WHICH BOOK IN THE SERIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN IN YOUR COMMENT!!!

Saving the Single Dad’s Bookstore + Giveaway

A doubtful owner. A determined employee. Together, can they build a future?

After inheriting his late grandfather’s bookstore, Dominic Tang must make a big decision: keep it or sell. But manager Gianna Marchesi insists she can prove he should keep Tang’s Terrific Tomes open if he’ll stay in town for two months. Falling for the charms of the store—and Gianna—comes easy. But when property damage threatens his already-tight budget, will Dominic risk everything to follow his heart?

My Review:

Eeeeeppp!!! I do so love a good ‘saving the bookstore’ trope and this one is just that! Well, once I got past Dominic’s bad first impression. I mean, that title is misleading — it should be “Saving the Bookstore from the Single Dad” because…gasp…the man wants to gut the store and turn it into offices! My heart sank into the depths of despair when I read that on page 9 and I wasn’t certain Dominic could ever be the hero my romantic heart was clamouring for. But I kept reading because there was a bookstore’s life on the line and I had to see it through to, thankfully, the happily ever after. So, phew, no bookstores were harmed (much) in the making of this book. 🙂

Dominic and Gianna clash from that inauspicious meet-cute. I was all set to purse-whomp Dominic on the spot, but Gianna was more wily than that. She issues him a challenge and sets out to prove the bookstore’s worth which turns into so much more than either of them bargained for.

Love the dynamics between these two. The way both are struggling with insecurities that cancel out when they are united. But, oy, it’s a bumpy ride to the finish line! Lots of family all in their business (with the best of intentions, of course) and some unexpected upsets that turn everything awry.

Really enjoyed the diversity of cast and location. Set in Alberta, Canada — yay — and I loved the bits of Chinese culture woven throughout. Secondary characters, including Dominic’s exuberant son, added extra ‘oomph’ to the story and kept me turning pages.

A fun contemporary romance to chase away the winter ‘blahs’.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Saving the Single Dad’s Bookstore , 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 February 24 2024.

Against All Odds + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

For FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper and his partner, dignitary protection duty should have been a piece of cake. Unfortunately, Monica Callahan isn’t making it easy. Estranged from her diplomat father–who is involved in a sensitive hostage situation in the Middle East–she refuses to be intimidated by a related terrorist threat back in the States. That is, until a chilling warning convinces her that the danger is very real–and escalating.

As Coop and his partner do their best to keep her safe, Monica’s father triggers an abduction that puts his daughter’s life at risk. And with every second that ticks by, Coop knows that the odds of saving the only woman who has ever breached the walls around his heart are dropping. After all, terrorists aren’t known for their patience–or their mercy.

Book one in the Heroes of Quantico series, this suspense-filled novel will whisk readers along for the thrilling ride.

My Review:

published in 2009

Eeeeppp!!! This was my first Irene Hannon book way back in the day! Read it even before I started posting reviews on Good Reads or started my blog and I don’t believe I’ve missed a single one of her books since then. In fact, I picked Irene Hannon as one of my re-read authors for 2024, so this is the official start.

This time round I listened to the audio book (courtesy of Audible Plus) narrated by Stevie Ray Dallimore. While I usually prefer female narrators, I thought Dallimore did a pretty good job with the female voices and I enjoyed my listening experience….

And discovered that I really like ‘vintage’ romantic suspense. The pacing is very different from current books which leaves room to develop relationships and get to know the characters more. Also time for significant faith threads which is another bonus.

So, while there’s definitely suspense right from the start, it’s drawn out in a different way. As the plot thickens (literally!) readers are drawn in to the high stakes situation that gradually grows more desperate as time progresses.

Meanwhile there’s Monica trying to live her normal life while being guarded by Coop’s FBI team. There’s a certain ominous dread looming over every scene because this is a suspense, after all! But it’s a lot of ‘normal’ too as Monica and Coop clash over safety concerns. Monica can’t quite believe that something to do with her estranged father half way around the world could actually impact her ordinary life. But she’s wrong! Soooooo wrong!!!

Loved the way the romance developed. It didn’t feel rushed and was full of heartfelt conversations, some teasing banter and the delicious tension of two people meeting at the wrong time. He has a job to do and she’s at the centre of it! Definitely no time for romance and yet…happy sigh. Beautifully crafted!

The suspense builds gradually and then bursts into a ‘heart-stopping, gasp-out-louding’ scenario that left me clinging to the edge of my seat. Expertly written, from mega emotions to action scenes. And then — huge bonus — we’re given some wonderful downtime to decompress and wrap things up and head out into our happily ever after. Like I said — impeccable pacing.

A must read for the inspirational romantic suspense connoisseur!

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 Against All Odds , 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 February 24 2024.

The Divine Proverb of Streusel + Giveaway

Shaken by her parents’ divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle’s farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She’ll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is a past she barely knows.

Among her late grandmother’s belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town’s history, her ancestors–and her estranged father.

What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured–with the help of their cooking prowess. Nikki realizes how delicious streusel with a healthy dollop of faith can serve as a guide to heal wounds of the past.

My Review:

Argh! This is one of those books that’s impossible to do justice to in a review because there are so many talking points only that would mean spoilers so…let’s see if I can get as creative as the title (which makes sense once you’ve read the book!)

Sara Brunsvold’s second novel is just as captivating as her first. I love the way she puts words and phrases together in a way that transforms the characters into living people that I grow attached to. And the significant faith threads are both down-to-earth as well as weighted with words that leave characters (and readers) pondering personal ‘aha’ moments.

“The good news is God’s not afraid of an attitude. That divine whack will come in due course — to all the skulls that need it.”

That quote is courtesy of Aunt Emma who we only meet through emails and phone calls, but she sure knows how to make an impression! And though this is largely Nikki’s story, there’s a subplot involving her Uncle Wes who is a man after my own heart. A humble man who doesn’t realize that he’s actually a spiritual giant.

If I had to assign a theme to this novel…well, hard to pinpoint just one. I’d say finding joy in endurance, for sure. And definitely the complexities of forgiveness. The importance of family and how each generation makes way for the next whether positive or negative…often a mashup of both.

But for all that there’s drama, ‘The Divine Proverb of Streusel’ is a quiet, nurturing story too. The kind a reader wants to sink into and savour. The kind that has the power to make a difference — in fictional lives and real ones.

Simply stunning!

Oh — and a side note: this book includes decadent German recipes involving lots and lots of butter. 🙂

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 The Divine Proverb of Streusel , 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 February 24 2024.

February Giveaway – Week Three

WON BY LUCY

WON BY LANE HILL HOUSE

WON BY KATHRYN VOSS

WON BY KAY GARRETT

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:

Please remember to check +Giveaway in the title and note the book editions available for each giveaway as they will vary.

The Flower Quilter

Barbara Breaks from Amish Tradition to Express Her Artistry

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Barbara Schwartz was born into a family of quilters, but she would rather eat dirt than partake in another quilting frolic or sew on another binding. When her parents send her to Indiana to help her grandmother in her quilting shop, she finds herself amongst a very different community. It’s only one summer and then she will be back in Kentucky where she belongs.

Melvin Bontrager’s world stopped six years ago when his parents died. Now when his only means of providing for his widowed sister and niece is threatened, Melvin finds his landscaping business disappearing too. When spring delivers a newcomer who is immune to his salty moods, Melvin does something he has never done before, accepts help.

What blooms is the last thing Barbara ever expected, and everything Melvin could ever want.

My Review:

Hooray for a glasses-wearing heroine on the cover! And yes, that’s what drew me to this particular Amish story among all the others waiting to be read. Mind you, I enjoy Mindy Steele’s storytelling as well, but the glasses were definitely the deciding factor. :-)

Poor Melvin doesn’t make a good first impression. Or second. Or third. Or…let’s just say it took a while for Barbara to warm up to him much to this reader’s delight. Not quite frenemies to more…but almost. The way they butt heads is both amusing and frustrating and always highly entertaining!

Barbara has left her Kentucky home to spend the summer helping out her grandmother in Indiana…at least that’s supposed to be the plan. But since Barbara “would rather eat dirt than partake in another quilting frolic” (bwahahaha!) plans change and she’s suddenly around Melvin way more than she’d like which might not sound like fun to Barbara, but it sure was for me!

I could relate to both hero and heroine – their individual histories brought depth to the story and explained the difficulties they had with connecting and committing. Duty to family pulls at individual desires and leaves both Barbara and Melvin with a conundrum that doesn’t seem easily solved…unless God has a plan.

Loved the way the author describes the Amish and the intricacies of relationships within the community. And she has cleverly highlighted differences between Barbara’s stricter Kentucky Amish community and the more liberal Indiana one which made for an interesting read.

Great blend of humour and angst add just the right sizzle to this heartwarming romance.

Beauty and the Baron + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

A penniless maid determined to save her father, a broken baron bent on isolation, and the undeniable draw between them that will lead to happiness—or disaster.

Rose Sinclair has run out of options. With her father in prison and their bookshop sold to pay his debts, she has no choice but to turn to Henry Covington, the Baron Norcliffe. But the baron has more than earned his harsh reputation, and Rose must face his wrath in order to save her father—and herself.

Since the deaths of his parents, Henry Covington has isolated himself from society, ensuring the solitude of his estate with his deliberate callousness. However, when the beautiful Miss Sinclair appears on his doorstep, begging for a chance to repay her father’s debt to him, a moment of weakness finds him offering her a position—as a maid in his own house.

They both soon learn that first impressions are not to be believed. Henry is surprised—and intrigued—by Rose’s optimistic charm, while Rose slowly uncovers Henry’s true self, his compassion concealed behind the pain of loss and betrayal. But when a shadow from Henry’s past returns, their newfound hope is tested. They must decide for themselves who to trust—and what they will risk for their happily ever after.

Beauty and the Baron is a Regency retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is a sweet/clean romance novella, and is Book 1 in a series of Regency retellings. The stories can be read in any order.

My Review:

published in 2019

I was crazy excited over this Regency Beauty and the Beast retelling when I first read the story. I recently discovered it on audible for an excellent price so I couldn’t resist revisiting these characters, this time listening to Janna Fox’s wonderful narration. Such a sweet, timeless story!

—

Squuueeeeee — I just discovered a new-to-me favourite Regency author! Thank you Good Reads friends for leading me to Joanna Barker. My fainting couch got a real workout with this one — partly from me jumping up and down as I shrieked my ecstatic pleasure to the world. Because, not only is Beauty and the Baron a scrumptious Regency romance, it’s also a retelling of Beauty and the Beast! Squeeeep!!!

Grinning like an idiot writing this as I remember all the good bits which is basically the whole book. An impoverished, genteel lady with quiet strength and such a kind heart. A seething, embittered baron who has become so jaded by the world that he keeps it at bay with his foul humor. The way Rose softens him by slow degrees, gently showing him a different way to live. Be still my heart! So many happy swoony bits!

But there’s treachery afoot and a mystery to solve before we get to “…and they lived happily ever after.” I had so much fun spotting the fairy tale elements Barker wove throughout the story. Her unique twists made this timeless story feel fresh and new.

Toe-curling romantical bliss!

Side note: While not a Christian Fiction selection, Beauty and the Baron is a clean read that also inspires with sweet gems like this: “Kindness matters most when it’s hardest to give.”

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 Beauty and the Baron , 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 February 3 2024.