October Giveaway – Week One

Reader’s Choice Goal Review Giveaway

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Another fairly new Best Reads Blog tradition is quarterly reading goal reviews. I’ll share my progress (or not!) here just for some fun, book nerdy stats and, if you’re so inclined you can share a goal or two in the comments. But no pressure – a goal can be as simple as ‘read a book.’

So, to enter this giveaway, just share anything goal related in the comments. Then, in the same comment, list a book that will help you reach your goal. So it looks like this:

“I want to catch up on some suspense series. Night Prey by Susan Sleeman.”

****NOTE: BOOKS MUST BE CHRISTIAN FICTION****

You can enter up to three times in three separate comments — and you can use the same goal or a different one each time, but a different title for each entry.

Books can be published any time up through the end of this year. Currently published books will be ordered this coming week for winners, otherwise it will be an IOU for a title releasing later in October, November or December 2023.

See? Easy Peasy. But if you’re still not clear, don’t be shy about asking questions.

So, I’m trying to be all techie with some of my reading in review summaries — and maybe a goal or two. We’ll see how it goes. 🙂 I am no mathematician and creating and then figuring out how to add a graph to this blog has been…interesting. Bwahahaha!

Breakdown of Genres so far this year (Jan- Sept):


Breakdown of reading formats so far this year

(can we say, audio books for the win?)


383 books read so far
. Yes, that seems like a lot, but I live alone and have a chronic pain condition that limits what I can do. Plus I have a tedious amount of stretches and exercises to do daily, plus walks, and listening to books is my dangling carrot! 🙂 And yes, audible books have really increased the # of books I am able to read.

27 books DNF (Did Not Finish) mostly because of content issues regarding coarse language and/or innuendos (cozy mysteries) or cliche plots, culturally insensitive, poorly researched, unlikeable main characters etc.

2023 Goals:

READ MORE INDIE AUTHORS — 38 books read so far which is about par for this time last year but I want to do better on this goal. Already have three more Indies on my TBR pile waiting to be read and hoping for many more before the year’s end.

GIVE DEBUT AUTHORS A CHANCE! — 9 books read — Yikes! I need to work on this goal. Last year I averaged about 2 debuts a month so I’m sliding here!

READ MORE NEW TO ME AUTHORS — 60!! Pretty good since I read a total of 65 in 2022, so will definitely meet or exceed that number. Of course, the problem then becomes having oodles of new authors to follow which also eats into the reading new-to-me author time. Such a conundrum!

DIVERSIFY MY READING — 116 books. Not bad, a little under a third of my total book count. I really want to source out more though. One of my goals for next year will be to read more non American authors.

Non US Settings:

Diverse author nationality: 10 Canadian — 6 British — 3 Australian — 1 Irish — 1 New Zealand

Other Diversity stats: 16 Ethnically diverse authors — 22 books with ethnically diverse characters — 10 books with disabled or chronically ill characters.

AUTHOR CATCH-UP — this is a hot mess. I kept adding authors to the list which, of course, makes it difficult to actually completely catch up with any one of them. 🙂 Sally Britton and Susan Sleeman are the authors I’m still hoping to be up-to-date with by the New Year!

GIVE UNLOVED TROPES A 2ND CHANCE: 9 books — so a minuscule amount of what I actually read. What can I say but I know what I like and I rarely venture from it. Will admit to enjoying all 9 of these books so that’s a lesson learned. Never say never when it comes to a trope, all it takes is a talented author to change your mind.

SERIES: I don’t even want to go there. I am meticulously keeping a record but I keep adding to the series I want to read so it’s a bit alarming.

Started out the year current with 37 series and I’m still current with 28 of them so looks like I know what I should concentrate on this last quarter.

Started out the year with 31 series in progress, am up to date with 6 of them now, and made a wee bit of progress on some others.

As if I didn’t have enough on my plate…er, on my TBR shelf?…I started 55 new-to-me series this year (blushing furiously while avoiding eye contact with anyone in the room.) I am up-to-date with 13 of them though, if that counts. 🙂

Phew! Now it’s your turn: Did you make reading goals this year? If so, how is it going? Share below and remember to include a book title that will help you achieve your goal. You can enter three times in three separate comments using the same goal or different ones. What ever strikes your fancy. Just make sure each entry is for a different title.

DRAW WILL BE HELD AND WINNER ANNOUNCED ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 7 2023.

OFFER OPEN TO ANY READER WHO HAS A KINDLE .COM ACCOUNT FOR EBOOKS. OTHERWISE IT’S WINNER’S CHOICE OF PAPERBACK OR EBOOK FOR US AND CANADIAN ENTRIES.

Her Unsuitable Match + Giveaway

Lady Philippa must wed to gain her fortune and freedom. A former soldier wants only peace and seclusion. Marriage to each other is their best solution.

Lady Philippa Gillensford is three and twenty, an heiress, and sister to a penny-pinching earl. After rejecting every bachelor her mother approves of, Philippa is ready to take her future into her own hands. Though she doubts she’ll marry for love, she is more than willing to marry for freedom from her family’s influence.

Myles Cobbett has withdrawn from Society, content to remain alone after surviving the horrors of the Napoleonic wars. When a friend convinces Myles to attend a ball benefiting wounded veterans like himself, Myles meets the lively Lady Philippa. Shortly thereafter, to help Philippa avoid scandal, Myles rescues her from a complete cad.

Sensing a chance to escape her family’s control, Philippa convinces Myles he must marry her to save her reputation. In exchange for this favor, Philippa promises him the very thing he thought he always wanted: a quiet life, alone in the country.

While the two put on a show of marital happiness for their neighbors, both realize they want much more from this arrangement. Can they take a marriage of convenience and turn it into a love match?

Her Unsuitable Match is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to Sally Britton’s previous novel, His Unexpected Heiress.

My Review:

published in 2021

Blissful sigh. A Sally Britton Regency Romance brings me to my bookish happy place every time. I’m on a quest to read all her Regency books by the end of the year and I’m getting close — ‘just’ have her Inglewood series and this Supposed Scandal series to finish up.

Love the period atmosphere the author creates — it sets the tone for this marriage of convenience romance. Squeeeppp! One of my favourite tropes! And this one is done so well. Philippa and Myles are strangers caught up in the unpleasant side of societal expectations. They make wary allies which slowly develops into something so much more. A delicious romance all the way through. There’s banter mixed in with even the most poignant scenes. And many a sigh-worthy scene too. Toe-curls likely, fainting couch optional, but suggested. 🙂

There’s a great cast of secondary characters (including some from previous Britton books) who add to the general charm (and sometimes mayhem) of the story. A not-to-be missed reading adventure for the discerning Regency Romance aficionado.

I listened to the audio edition courtesy of Chirpbooks and enjoyed Jessica Elisa Boyd’s narration tremendously.

Undercover Operation + Giveaway

Rescuing valuable stolen puppies requires a K-9 officer to go deep undercover.

K-9 officer Asher Gilmore and trainer Peyton Burns have two rescue three stolen bloodhound puppies and expose a drug ring. To outwit the criminal masterminds, they must go undercover as married smugglers with the help of an underwater-detection dog. But infiltrating the crime ring proves more dangerous than expected, putting the operation, the puppies and their own lives at risk.

Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit

My Review:

Eeeep — we’re getting closer to the grande finale of this continuity series! In fact, two of the secondary over-arcing mysteries find resolution in this seventh book so this might not be the place to start in on the series. Though it would read perfectly fine as a standalone — it just contains spoilers for two side mysteries. So, if you don’t intend on playing catch up jumping in here is totally fine.

And — woohoo – we have a forced proximity romance between a hero and heroine going undercover as a married couple! Definitely one of my favourite tropes because it provides all kinds of relationship building opportunities. So we get some fun banter mixed in with poignant moments as both Asher and Peyton wrestle with some personal stuff. Plus we have a spiffy springer spaniel K-9 officer and some ornery villains to catch — and all of that makes this one riveting read.

Well, listen for me, since this is another Love Inspired Suspense novel I was thrilled to find in audio format! I enjoyed Abby Craden’s narration and hoping for more Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense novels to be made available in this format.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor + Giveaway

In 2012, art historian Gwen Monroe travels to England’s Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she becomes acquainted with David Bradley–the owner’s handsome grandson–who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a bed-and-breakfast. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd’s staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she uncovers a connection to the father she never knew.

In 1912, after her father’s death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte’s grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

Two women a century apart are taken on a journey to healing, faith, and forgiveness in this heartfelt dual-time Edwardian romance from bestselling author Carrie Turansky.

My Review:

Simply stunning! I’m grappling with words to describe how spellbinding and captivating and compelling and just plain unputdownable this novel is! And the seamless way the author blends the two timelines — sheer artistry! I was equally invested in both, never wanting to leave the characters in one timeline for another and yet, at the same time, I was eager to embrace the next chapter.

So — dual timeline means dual romances which makes me all kinds of giddy. 🙂 And both are epic toe-curlers with enough emotional angst to make things interesting without reducing a hapless reader into the depths of despair. And the key to both happily ever afters is finding forgiveness. It’s something our heroines wrestle with — hanging on to past hurts in an unhealthy way. Oh, they have very valid reasons, but they can’t find the freedom to love fully until they tackle the bitterness festering within. Such an empowering faith thread!

Turansky’s ability to create images with words is evident in her descriptive passages. I felt like I was in the Lake District, taking in the scenery, admiring the fells — and Longdale Manor itself. The mansion breathes history and I felt the thrill of discovery as Gwen explores the art and antiques. And then she finds Charlotte’s journal and the women are intrinsically entwined though decades separate them.

Reader warning: It’s best to clear your calendar and put off projects looming on the horizon, because The Legacy of Longdale Manor will claim (and deserves) your undivided attention. All the wayt to the exquisite end.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

October New Releases Giveaway!

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It’s a new Best Reads blog tradition! Celebrating the month’s new releases the first week of each month.

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.

By hosting a special “Hello — insert month” giveaway. It’s easy to play along. You just have to choose one of the October 2023 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 September release is the book you will win and we’re one book count closer to keeping our fave authors in business.

Reader’s Choice Week Winners — Fall Into Books Edition

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Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee won by PATTY!

CONTEMPORARY COVER LOVE WINNER!

Reader’s Choice Giveaway, Fall Into Books Edition — General Christian Fiction

The leaves are starting to change colour, the nights are getting cooler (hallelujah!) and there’s a distinct scent of Autumn in the air. What else is a dedicated bibliophile to do but celebrate the new season with new books?! But I need your help to fatten up my TBR wishlist. So let’s get this weeklong Reader’s Choice party started!

Here’s how this week’s giveaways works: You recommend CHRISTIAN FICTION genre specific titles with release dates in October, November or December 2023 (up to three suggestions per genre day) and you have a chance to win one of your recommendations! BUT it’s a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These giveaways are available in paperback or ebook format to US and Canadian readers. Ebooks available internationally if you have a .com kindle account (US Amazon)

IT’S GENERAL CHRISTIAN FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the book(s) in the General Christian Fiction genre you would like to win.

General Christian Fiction — a full length story or novella or collection of novellas. Any genre, including previous selections you made on other days this week as well as specific genres not covered yet such as Women’s Fiction, Speculative, SciFi etc.

How does it work?

Easy peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

  • Publication date must be October, November or December 2023
  • Each day is genre specific, so only submit titles from that genre
  • Christian Fiction books only please!
  • You can offer up to three suggestions per genre day BUT they need to be made in 3 separate comments (easier for me to keep track of.)
  • No email entries this time round since comments are working on WP

OF SPECIAL NOTE: IF YOU HAVEN’T COMMENTED ON THIS BLOG BEFORE, YOUR FIRST COMMENT WON’T APPEAR UNTIL I APPROVE IT. AFTER THAT YOUR COMMENTS WILL POST AUTOMATICALLY. 

  • Entrants must submit their own selections (no piggybacking on someone else’s log in.)
  • It’s helpful to include your email (using AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers) but you only need to add it to one of your comments per day. If you choose not to include your email, then it’s up to you to contact me if you are a winner.

Draw will be held and winner announced on 

Saturday September 30 , 2023

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon on September 30. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.)

Reader’s Choice Giveaway, Fall Into Books Edition – Amish Fiction

The leaves are starting to change colour, the nights are getting cooler (hallelujah!) and there’s a distinct scent of Autumn in the air. What else is a dedicated bibliophile to do but celebrate the new season with new books?! But I need your help to fatten up my TBR wishlist. So let’s get this weeklong Reader’s Choice party started!

Here’s how this week’s giveaways works: You recommend CHRISTIAN FICTION genre specific titles with release dates in October, November or December 2023 (up to three suggestions per genre day) and you have a chance to win one of your recommendations! BUT it’s a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These giveaways are available in paperback or ebook format to US and Canadian readers. Ebooks available internationally if you have a .com kindle account (US Amazon)

IT’S AMISH FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the book(s) in the Amish Fiction genre you would like to win.

Amish Fiction — a full length story or novella or collection of novellas where the hero or heroine (or both) are Amish OR the story has significant Amish involvement through secondary characters and an Amish community. Can be set in any time period and may cross genres such as YA, Suspense, dual timeline etc.

How does it work?

Easy peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

  • Publication date must be October, November or December 2023
  • Each day is genre specific, so only submit titles from that genre
  • Christian Fiction books only please!
  • You can offer up to three suggestions per genre day BUT they need to be made in 3 separate comments (easier for me to keep track of.)
  • No email entries this time round since comments are working on WP

OF SPECIAL NOTE: IF YOU HAVEN’T COMMENTED ON THIS BLOG BEFORE, YOUR FIRST COMMENT WON’T APPEAR UNTIL I APPROVE IT. AFTER THAT YOUR COMMENTS WILL POST AUTOMATICALLY. 

  • Entrants must submit their own selections (no piggybacking on someone else’s log in.)
  • It’s helpful to include your email (using AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers) but you only need to add it to one of your comments per day. If you choose not to include your email, then it’s up to you to contact me if you are a winner.

Draw will be held and winner announced on 

Saturday September 30 , 2023

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon on September 30. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.)

Reader’s Choice Giveaway, Fall Into Books Edition – Mystery/Suspense

The leaves are starting to change colour, the nights are getting cooler (hallelujah!) and there’s a distinct scent of Autumn in the air. What else is a dedicated bibliophile to do but celebrate the new season with new books?! But I need your help to fatten up my TBR wishlist. So let’s get this weeklong Reader’s Choice party started!

Here’s how this week’s giveaways works: You recommend CHRISTIAN FICTION genre specific titles with release dates in October, November or December 2023 (up to three suggestions per genre day) and you have a chance to win one of your recommendations! BUT it’s a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These giveaways are available in paperback or ebook format to US and Canadian readers. Ebooks available internationally if you have a .com kindle account (US Amazon)

IT’S MYSTERY/SUSPENSE FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the book(s) in the Mystery/Suspense Fiction genre you would like to win.

Mystery/Suspense Fiction — a full length story or novella or collection of novellas where mystery is an important part of the plot. The hero or heroine (or both) are often in peril (more so in suspense.) Can be set in any time period and cross genres such as YA, Amish, dual timeline etc.

How does it work?

Easy peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

  • Publication date must be October, November or December 2023
  • Each day is genre specific, so only submit titles from that genre
  • Christian Fiction books only please!
  • You can offer up to three suggestions per genre day BUT they need to be made in 3 separate comments (easier for me to keep track of.)
  • No email entries this time round since comments are working on WP

OF SPECIAL NOTE: IF YOU HAVEN’T COMMENTED ON THIS BLOG BEFORE, YOUR FIRST COMMENT WON’T APPEAR UNTIL I APPROVE IT. AFTER THAT YOUR COMMENTS WILL POST AUTOMATICALLY. 

  • Entrants must submit their own selections (no piggybacking on someone else’s log in.)
  • It’s helpful to include your email (using AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers) but you only need to add it to one of your comments per day. If you choose not to include your email, then it’s up to you to contact me if you are a winner.

Draw will be held and winner announced on 

Saturday September 30 , 2023

(You can enter any of the giveaways up until noon on September 30. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.)