Kav's Best Reads

Love, Unscripted + Giveaway

The perfect boyfriend only exists on paper…doesn’t he?

Fresh off the heels of a bad breakup, Chloe Anderson poured her heart into penning the perfect boyfriend—and the result was an off-the-charts debut beach read that resonated with women worldwide. Now, Chloe’s scripted hero is headed for Hollywood, with her book destined to become a major motion picture.

When Chloe gets wind that silver screen bad boy Liam Hamilton has been cast as the ideal-in-every-way hero of her novel, she’s horrified by the film director’s choice. How could a player like Liam possibly do Chloe’s perfect hero justice? Unafraid to speak her mind, Chloe lets her executive producer know she’s one hundred percent opposed to the casting. And oops—the call is on speakerphone, where the annoyingly attractive Hollywood star hears Chloe’s unbridled outrage firsthand.

With Liam’s reputation already on the rocks, his agent concocts a PR plan to upgrade Liam’s image while putting the story—and the film—in the spotlight. The catch? During the movie’s filming in Chloe’s cute hometown of Stillwater, North Carolina, Chloe and Liam will fake a wholesome, committed relationship. Both stand to gain something from the arrangement. Liam’s fans will see him in a new light, while Chloe can boost her struggling social media following and further her writing career. What could possibly go wrong?

As author and actor navigate the waters of the PR relationship, they’re unprepared when their professional agreement turns into an actual friendship. And when serious sparks start to fly—well, that’s an unread chapter for both of them.

My Review:

Well now, I’m throughly charmed and in a post-read tizzy after finishing this delicious contemporary romance. If ever a book screamed ‘beach read’ this one does — from the pretty cover right through to the very last page.

And, oh my! Two of my favourite tropes — enemies to more and fake dating — written to sweet (and angsty) perfection. With liberal doses of humour mixed in. Such a fun read, though some deeper topics are covered as well which keep things realistically messy and just a bit desperate at times.

I’m not usually one for a movie star hero. The whole Hollywood scene isn’t something I care about at all. Or the social media hype that goes along with the rich and famous so, normally I would have passed over this novel BUT Denise Hunter is the author so….I decided to be brave. 🙂

And, wonders of wonders, I actually enjoyed the movie aspects of this novel. Hunter adds just enough details to feel authentic without the ‘Hollywood’ aspects overwhelming the story. Of course, the whole PR scheme screams ‘Hollywood’ but it plays out brilliantly with lots of lovely ‘getting to know you’ kind of scenes to smile and swoon over. And then, when things really heat up — clear your fainting couch and keep your smelling salts handy because it’s not just the summer temps rising…until…well, let’s just say the author doesn’t make it too easy for Liam and Chloe to achieve their happily-ever-after.

I listened to the audio edition of Love, Unscripted (brilliant title tie-in by the way) narrated by Kathleen McInerney who amped up my ‘reading’ enjoyment all the more. She is a talented storyteller who brings characters to life in such a compelling way. Superb listening experience.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook copy available to anyone with a US Kindle account (.com)

Canadians will have a choice of receiving an Amazon.ca gift card towards the purchase of an ebook OR the option of an audible.ca edition.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Love Unscripted , 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 16 2024.

March Giveaway – Week Two

WON BY BECKY

WON BY PAM K.

WON BY KATHERINE VOSS

WON BY MARK

WON BY CAITLIN

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.

An Amish Cinderella

Now that her friends are all marrying or moving away, Heart Beachy has started feeling lonely. Worse, everyone keeps asking when she’s going to find a man of her own. Don’t they realize Heart has her hands full at home with her widowed dad, too many chores, and a menagerie of needy, small animals? Besides, she doesn’t understand the fuss about marriage. It’s enough to make her consider finally becoming a pet-sitter, or moving to an English community, where she won’t be an oddity . . .

Newcomer Clayton Glick is utterly charmed by Heart—and completely confounded. He can’t figure out why this beautiful woman is as awkward as a teenager whenever he’s around, which is often now that he’s an apprentice to her blacksmith father. So Clayton starts assisting with Heart’s never-ending tasks, even helping her corral her unruly pets. How else can he court an adorably flustered woman who doesn’t know the first thing about courtship? Because courting is exactly what he intends . . .

Heart doesn’t know why her pulse hammers every time she sees Clayton. She only knows yielding to such emotions will mean trouble. . . But maybe with a little faith—and the loss of a shoe—Clayton can convince her to join him on the road to happily ever after.

My Review:

First off — this really isn’t a Cinderella retelling — not unless you want to call every book with a motherless heroine who feels overworked and under appreciated a Cinderella tale as well. So, that was disappointing, especially since I specifically picked up this book for a fairy tale retelling challenge I was participating in.

BUT

It is a really good story, told to Shelley Shepard Gray’s exacting storytelling standards. She expertly blends humour and drama as she leads likeable characters through personal challenges towards their happily ever afters. And we get two love stories here which was all kinds of fun.

Have to admit that Heart’s father, Levi, kinda stole the spotlight for me. An oversized blacksmith with a reputation for being intimidating but really, he’s more gruff than grump and I enjoyed his story very much.

Clayton made for an intriguing hero with a back story that tugged at my heart and made his personal musings all the more emotionally charged for me. And Heart was a delightfully cheery, forthright foil to his wary reserve.

A fun, quick read — just don’t go in expecting a fairy tale retelling.

Her Cowboy Blind Date + Giveaway

He’s a small-town guy, a cowboy at heart. She’s a city girl from the other side of the world. Will a blind date lead to a love that lasts a lifetime?

Farm mechanic Sam Williams is on the cusp of realizing his dream of being a rancher after inheriting a share in his family’s Colorado ranch. He’s keen to make plans and leave Gilead in the dust after his friend’s Easter Saturday wedding. First he needs a plus-one for the wedding, to avoid a super awkward encounter with his high-school girlfriend who has just married the best man.

After a devastating public betrayal by her high-profile ex, Bek Montford is hiding out in Kansas. She’s calling herself Becky, licking her wounds and focusing on the things that make her happy. Drawn to the annual passion play at Gilead Bible College where she’s living, she volunteers to work behind the scenes.

Since Becky is only in Gilead until June, a blind date with a suitable plus-one before the wedding seems like the perfect solution for Sam. No strings and no commitment.

But the blind date turns into a not-so-fake relationship when Sam and Becky must work together on the passion play. Can they overcome past emotional wounds and geographical distance to create a future together?

An opposites attract, different worlds, blind date and fake relationship contemporary Christian romance.

My Review:

First off — very creative meet-cute! Picture me grinning madly and wincing a bit. For all the awkwardness, I could feel the charged energy in the…well, where Becky and Sam first meet. 🙂

And I do so love a fake dating trope — especially one that starts with a blind date. Both Sam and Becky are committed non-committers who need the illusion of romance to see them through some difficult situations. Friends without benefits, shall we say, and both can walk away with hearts intact….theoretically, that is.

I really enjoyed the way the author took time with the romance. The story takes place over several months and we get to watch Becky and Sam grow individually and as a couple. Both have complicated past histories that colour how they view a potential relationship and I liked the way they worked through their issues. There’s communication — yay for fictional couples who talk, no matter how imperfectly. No one is flouncing off in a huff or making erroneous assumptions. There’s still conflict, and lots to work through, and that journey is what made this such a satisfying read. Well, that and some toe-curling kisses! 🙂

This book is part of the ‘Easter in Gilead‘ multi-authored series — largely set in a small town bible college during the days leading up to their Easter Passion Play. While each book can be read as a standalone, they are connected through setting and characters. This is my first visit to Gilead and I had no problem jumping in here, but I do intend to backtrack and read the other books too.

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 Her Cowboy Blind Date , 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 9 2024.

Lethal Mountain Pursuit + Giveaway

Hunted by a killer…with a K-9 standing guard.

After witnessing several murders, Natalie Pearson narrowly dodges death but knows the killer is still out there—searching for her. And even her sister’s remote cabin in the Smoky Mountains can’t keep her safe. After fleeing into the woods, she runs into former detective Andrew Moore and his K-9. Trusting Andrew is Natalie’s only chance for survival, but together they must outwit a relentless villain…before they become his final victims.

K-9 Search and Rescue

My Review:

Oh, the wonderful irony of naming a floofy Newfoundland dog Rambo. 🙂 This breed is known for their goofy adoration and laid back disposition. Mind you, they are also fiercely loyal and protective and Rambo definitely has heroic moments in this gripping romantic suspense. K-9 Search and Rescue may be his job but taking down criminals is his passion. Bwahaha — he has a wonderful save-the-day moment towards the end of the story that had me alternately cheering and laughing. Atta boy, Rambo!

Oh, and yes, there were humans in this story as well. Andrew is reassessing life choices in his grandparent’s Tennessee cabin when Natalie runs into him. And then, well, let’s just say his dog isn’t the only one possessing an uber protective gene.

Whew! High-stakes suspense all the way! And there is so much going on it’s hard to figure out what might be connected to Natalie’s dilemma and what might not. And the whole stalker vibe brings an extra urgency to the situation.

Light romance and faith threads added to my overall enjoyment. This is very much a strangers to friends to ‘hey, there might be something here, let’s explore that when all this is over’ kind of love story, which I really appreciated.

I listened to the audible edition (so thankful that Love Inspired Suspense is making more books available in this format!) Patricia Santomasso did a great job making these characters, and the tense situations they find themselves in, feel so breathtakingly real!

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 Lethal Mountain Rescue , 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 9 2024.

The Berlin Letters + Giveaway

Bestselling author Katherine Reay returns with an unforgettable tale of the Cold War and a CIA code breaker who risks everything to free her father from an East German prison.

From the time she was a young girl, Luisa Voekler has loved solving puzzles and cracking codes. Brilliant and logical, she’s expected to quickly climb the career ladder at the CIA. But while her coworkers have moved on to thrilling Cold War assignments—especially in the exhilarating era of the late 1980s—Luisa’s work remains stuck in the past decoding messages from World War II.

Journalist Haris Voekler grew up a proud East Berliner. But as his eyes open to the realities of postwar East Germany, he realizes that the Soviet promises of a better future are not coming to fruition. After the Berlin Wall goes up, Haris finds himself separated from his young daughter and all alone after his wife dies. There’s only one way to reach his family—by sending coded letters to his father-in-law who lives on the other side of the Iron Curtain.

When Luisa Voekler discovers a secret cache of letters written by the father she has long presumed dead, she learns the truth about her grandfather’s work, her father’s identity, and why she has never progressed in her career. With little more than a rudimentary plan and hope, she journeys to Berlin and risks everything to free her father and get him out of East Berlin alive.

As Luisa and Haris take turns telling their stories, events speed toward one of the twentieth century’s most dramatic moments—the fall of the Berlin Wall and that night’s promise of freedom, truth, and reconciliation for those who lived, for twenty-eight years, behind the bleak shadow of the Iron Curtain’s most iconic symbol.

My Review:

I’ve been mulling over what to say in a review for a few days now, trying to find the words to convey the impact this story had on me. Maybe because of the political times we live in world wide — so many people are living out their own Iron Curtain situations, or can see the threat looming on the horizon. And even in countries where democracy is supposedly safeguarded, the perils of exclusion, book bans, groups of people being treated as ‘other’ etc. is very real. So, to say ‘The Berlin Letters’ got me thinking would be an understatement. This is definitely the kind of read that will sit with me for a long time to come.

Reay has done an exceptional job of merging two timelines into a cohesive whole with the kind of block buster ending worthy of an Oscar. In fact, I could easily imagine this novel in cinematic splendour. The author’s descriptions of setting and character emotions brought everything into sharp focus and made me feel my way through to the spectacular ending.

The espionage/thriller aspects had me gasping out loud and I was so invested in Luisa’s family history mystery I couldn’t stop reading…well listening. (I highly recommend the audio book. The multi-narration delivered by Saskia Maarleveld, Ann Marie Gideon and P.J. Ochlan is stunning. Their portrayal of these characters really added to my emotional investment in the story.)

I read a lot of fiction and love most of what I read but, once in awhile a spectacular novel comes my way and I know it’s spectacular because I am changed for having read it. ‘The Berlin Letters’ is that kind of book. The author challenged some of my preconceived ideas and opened my heart to being more understanding and accepting and I am grateful for that.

My thanks to Harper Muse audiobooks and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of The Berlin Letters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook copy available to anyone with a US Kindle account (.com)

Canadians will have a choice of receiving an Amazon.ca gift card towards the purchase of an ebook OR the option of an audible.ca edition.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Berlin Letters , 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 9 2024.

Appalachian Song + Giveaway

Forever within the memories of my heart.

Always remember, you are perfectly loved.

Bertie Jenkins has spent forty years serving as a midwife for her community in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Out of all the mothers she’s tended, none affects her more than the young teenager who shows up on her doorstep, injured, afraid, and expecting, one warm June day in 1943. As Bertie and her four sisters tenderly nurture Songbird back to health, the bond between the childless midwife and the motherless teen grows strong. But soon Songbird is forced to make a heartbreaking decision that will tear this little family apart.

Thirty years later, the day after his father’s funeral, Walker Wylie is stunned to learn he was adopted as an infant. The famous country singer enlists the help of adoption advocate Reese Chandler in the hopes of learning why he was abandoned by his birth parents. With the only clue he has in hand, Walker and Reese head deep into the Appalachian Mountains to track down Bertie Jenkins, the midwife who holds the secrets to Walker’s past.

For fans of historical and Southern fiction comes a poignant story of love and sacrifice set in the heart of Appalachia, from award-winning author Michelle Shocklee.

My Review:

“Livin’ life ain’t about seein’ and doin’. It’s about lovin’ and takin’ care of those who’ve been put in your path.” (p. 180)

Words to live by right there — and this book is full of like-minded wisdom so it’s the kind of read that requires savouring. Time to bask in bookish wonder and sit a spell with these characters. Especially Bertie and her sisters.

I was particularly drawn to the relationship that developed between Bertie and Songbird. Found family at it’s finest. But even as I devoured all that goodness, an ominous sense of foreboding hung over me. Because I didn’t know the whole story yet, but I knew it had to be heartbreaking since we meet Walker thirty years later in search of his past and then, well, whoooaaaa, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough despite the desire to linger over all the sweet moments.

Appalachian Song is a dual timeline story set in two historical eras and the author did an amazing job of intertwining both stories. Rich with history and emotion and inspiration. The kind of faith that gives a sensitive reader goosebumps and provides teary-eyed moments. Over and over again. Just…indescribably wonderful!

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 Appalachian Song, 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 9 2024.

Hunted in the Mountains + Giveaway

With nowhere to turn… the wilderness is the only escape route.

When a scared boy appears on her doorstep, Julia Fay has no time for questions before they’re chased into the woods by armed assailants. Former navy SEAL Troy Walker subdues their attackers, but young Jake insists the police can’t be trusted. Now three strangers are on the run together. Can Julia and Troy protect a child against the unknown…when the truth could get them killed?

My Review:

Phew! This one is an edge-of-your-seat nail-biter for sure! Addie Ellis sets the tone of the book from the very first sentence: “There was always something about the darkness of the night that left Julia Fay feeling adrift.” Cue the shiver of suspense-y delight creeping up my spine and I was committed for the long haul.

Fast-paced. Adrenaline surging. Relentless pursuit. All the the elements of a high-octane read that kept me riveted. And somehow, in the midst of all that, the author manages to flesh out some engaging characters. Easy to relate to and empathize with. And the romance, while a bit rushed, is still believable. There’s sense or urgency that mirrors the suspense and made this an unputdownable read. Devoured it in one sitting.

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 Hunted in the Mountains , 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 9 2024.

March Giveaway – Week One

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.

March New Releases Giveaway!

It’s a 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 2024 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 January 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 2 2024.