Kav's Best Reads

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

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.

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.

Then Came You

RANDOM RETRO READ

He’s in Deep Haven to relax.

Detective Daniel “Boone” Buckam is more than burned out. After fourteen stellar years on the job, one bad judgment call—and, fine, a whole lot of cynicism—has forced him into a mandatory vacation. If he can get his head on straight, there’s a job as Police Chief waiting for him back in his Minneapolis suburb.

But then he meets Vivien.

Actress Vivien Calhoun isn’t really a drama queen. Sure, she gets swept up in the emotions of life—but please, she’s an actress. Or, um, was until a stalker made her flee the bright lights of Broadway. Now, she’s passionate about directing her local theater production. But when she accidentally ropes an uptight police detective on vacation into her cast, she can’t help but wonder if he might be the leading man she’s always longed for.

Of course, she’s in trouble.

Boone can’t help but like Vivien. He might even have a type—vivacious and bubbly, with a penchant for attracting danger. He can smell trouble even if she can’t, and is pretty sure her stalker has hunted her all the way to Deep Haven. He’ll have to stay by her side—even if it means being in her silly play—to keep her safe. But Vivien is more than he expected as she helps him discover a part of him he’s locked away…the part that said he could never love again.

So much for relaxing.

It’s summertime in Deep Haven, and the fun is heating up in this laugh-out-loud, charming story.

My Review

published in 2021

Just when I think there can’t be an original meet/cute idea left, an author surprises me with a fresh spin. Vivi and Boone’s is equal parts charming and funny and sets the tone for their unexpected romance. One or other of them is always feeling discombobulated, which is kind of fun.

Boone sees straight through Vivi’s over-the-top theatrics and I love that about him. There are reasons she feels like she has to be ‘on’ one hundred percent of the time and Boone is one of the few people in her life who calls her on it. Blunt, forthright and dealing with his own issues, he has come to Deep Haven to decompress and get his life and career back on track. An idyllic summer retreat is not the time to start up a romance…but then Vivi happens and….

Sweet and funny with some significant character growth (especially for Boone) made this a compulsive read. There’s a bit of very light suspense which mostly serves to push the plot in the right direction, so definitely a straight up Contemporary Romance.

This is the fourth Deep Haven Collection novel and the 2nd one I have read. While I enjoy the small town ambiance, there’s always a slew of characters to meet between the original Deep Haven series written by Susan May Warren and the Collection series written by various authors so I felt quite out of the loop at times. Kinda like I’m new in town, sitting in the coffee shop and getting whiplash from all the bantering back and forth between complete strangers. It’s a fun way to people watch, but I feel off kilter from time to time. Like I’m not getting every punch line or undercurrent.

While I enjoyed many standalone qualities of Then Came You, I feel like this series is written more for diehard fans of the original books — and even some other Susan May Warren series (The Christiansen family is mentioned here and Boone is a secondary character from the PJ Sugar series.)

Dagger’s Sleep + Giveaway

RANDOM RETRO READ

A prince cursed to sleep.
A princess destined to wake him.
A kingdom determined to stop them.

High Prince Alexander has been cursed to a sleep like unto death, a curse that will end the line of the high kings and send the Seven Kingdoms of Tallahatchia into chaos. With his manservant to carry his luggage and his own superior intelligence to aid him, Alex sets off to find one of the Fae and end his curse one way or another.

A hundred years later, Princess Rosanna learns she is the princess destined by the Highest King to wake the legendary sleeping prince. With the help of the mysterious Daemyn Rand, can she find the courage to finish the quest as Tallahatchia wavers on the edge of war?

One curse connects them. A hundred years separate them. From the rushing rivers of Tallahatchia’s mountains to the hall of the Highest King himself, their quests will demand greater sacrifice than either of them could imagine.

My Review:

published in 2019

Squeeeeppppp! I’m all discombobulated and tongue-tied over this amazing fairy tale re-telling discovery! How did I not know about this author or this series?! And does Tricia Mingerink ever deliver on all the things I love about this genre, plus, it’s Christian Fiction so there are also some amazing (A-M-A-Z-I-N-G) Christian allegory threads in this novel — especially in the second half of the book. Wow…just…wow!!!!!

Love the gender swap at the heart of the story — it’s a prince cursed to sleep for a hundred years, not a princess. She’s the one who has to save him! Such a clever twist.

As is the unique world building. I imagine a mix of Medieval social structure only with equality between males and females. And the majority of these characters seem to be Indigenous people but there’s also a an Appalachia feel to the mountain folk. And there’s some fleeting fairy tale mentions that I think will be featured in future books in the series.

Plus — this is a dual timeline novel! We get Roseanna’s story in the ‘present’ day and Prince Alexander, a hundred years earlier — so before the curse struck on this twenty-first birthday. And the way the author weaves the two together is spellbinding!

I don’t think I dare say anything else for fear of posting spoilers. Just know that ‘Dagger’s Sleep’ (such a clever title!) is an amazing mix-up of traditional folklore with brilliant twists to keep things interesting. It was fun to spot the classic parts and thrilling to see how the author built her own unique story from them.

So we have everything that appeals to me in a fairy tale retelling — impossible quests, epic battles, an entire kingdom hanging in the balance. There’s even some light romance. And though there is resolution in this first book in the ‘Beyond the Tales’ series, there are also enough threads left dangling that I’m desperate to pick up the next book (Cinderella retelling — eeeep) ASAP. And then The Twelve Dancing Princesses follow. Soooo excited!!!!!

I listened to the audible edition brilliantly narrated by Emily Lawrence. I had such an enjoyable listening experience that I plan to ‘read’ the rest of the series in audio as well.

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 Dagger’s Sleep , 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.

Counted With the Stars + Giveaway

RANDOM RETRO RE-READ

Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation. When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all.

Choosing to flee with the Hebrews, Kiya finds herself reliant on a strange God and drawn to a man who despises her people. With everything she’s ever known swept away and now facing the trials of the desert, will she turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?

My Review:

published in 2015

I am not a huge fan of biblical fiction so I pick and choose which titles I read with care. I am so grateful that this one caught my eye and I took a risk by reading out of my comfort zone. Counted With the Stars is a stunning debut novel. The story delivers what the beautiful cover promises and, oh my goodness, such a meaningful title tie-in! Love that kind of attention to detail.

Cossette brings this time period to life. Rich details and the author’s vivid imagination make for a memorable read. I love that the story is told through the eyes of an Egyptian slave. Kiya is such an interesting character. Raised in opulent wealth, she has a lot of adjusting to do as she struggles within the bonds of slavery. She feels like her gods have forsaken her so when she befriends a Hebrew slave she becomes intrigued by the notion of worshiping only one God. In fact she’s incredulous. Especially when Egypt is suddenly inundated with plagues reported to be delivered by the hand of this omnipotent God.

Despite her circumstances, Kiya doesn’t shuck her spoiled persona easily. She is a product of her upbringing — a distinctly caste conscious one. It takes untold hardships and wandering through the wilderness for Kiya’s transformation to be complete. And, oh mercy, what a moving conversion story. Goosebump-inciting. A powerful surrendering to Yahweh that left me breathless.

Side Note: My second read of this book — this time I listened to the Audible edition (available on Audible Plus right now) and Sarah Mollo-Christiensen’s narration is exquisite! She brought such vibrancy to the story. I was spellbound.

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 Counted With the Stars , 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.

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

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.