Kav's Best Reads

I do so love the start of a New Year. I always feel ridiculously optimistic when January 1st rolls around. Everything I didn’t get done in the old year will definitely be accomplished in the new one! And everything will be bigger and better and…well…It’s like Anne Shirley’s (Anne of Green Gables) astute observation: “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” Only it applies to an entire year!!!! And my bibliophile heart overflows with readerly bliss at thought of a fresh year full of book-oriented challenges and goals. Here are mine:

2024 Reading Goals

• Continue to seek out more Indie books

• Hunt down some Debuts and read them!

• Introduce myself to even more new-to-me authors

• Diversify my reading

• Target a few authors each quarter and read at least one book from their backlist

• Enjoy getting acquainted with old friends — re-read!

• Allow myself to be influenced by social media (book tube & instagram) for one book a month

• Maybe read out of my comfort zone occasionally? But only 5 times the whole year! (she adds hastily, cowering behind her TBR pile)

• Concentrate on an evolving SAS list. That’s Serious About Series. 24 new-to-me series, catch up on 24 series I’m in the process of reading and keeping current with 24 series I’m up-to-date with.

• Keep stats and track my fictional travels.

Those are my official goals but I also want to pick up my instagram (bookstagram) again — both following and creating content. I got stymied when I started it early in 2023 because I read so much I couldn’t figure out how to do the monthly screenshots etc. and I got discouraged. But, hey, I’ve conquered bar graphs so….

I also reactivated my Net Galley account now that they offer (sparingly) audio books. We’ll see if anything comes of that.

Oh — and I still want to wrangle this unwieldy site into some sort of order…time got away from me while I was recuperating from the flu. (in other words, I was too busy reading.)

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Now, what’s a little goal sharing without giveaways?! Today it’s easy peasy! We already shared goals yesterday so today let’s just talk about the books that got away from us last year.

So, the rules for this giveaway are simple:

• You can enter this giveaway up to three times, each entry as a separate comment.

• Mention any CHRISTIAN FICTION novel that have already been released — so from January 5 2024 back to earlier years, and, if the random.org odds are in your favour, you’ll win one of those books!

• This offer is open to email entries as well.

Giveaway available to readers in the US and Canada — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice. Audible too for Canadians.

e-books only for International Readers who have an American Kindle account (Amazon.com).

Draw will be held and winner announced on

Saturday January 6 2024

Another Best Reads Blog tradition is quarterly reading goal reviews (only in this case, it’s an annual summary.) 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 January, February or March 2023.

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

My 2023 Reading Goals Summary:

519 Books read

Genres:

‘Other’ is a mix of YA, Middle Grade, Fantasy etc.

Book Formats: (‘books’ are print editions I got from places other than the library — rereads, gifts, review copies, purchases etc.)

Diversity was a huge goal of mine these past two years. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find settings outside the US in Christian Fiction. I have no idea why, because all the readers I know enjoy armchair traveling but, as the graph below illustrates, the majority of my fictional travel time was spent in the US.

‘Other’ represents Europe, Africa, Canada, Australia, Asia.

I set author goals as well. I’m pleased with the progress I made with reading indie books, but I really need to up my diverse author reads (this includes nationalities other than American as well as ethnicity.)

I had set a goal to play catch-up with specific authors’ backlists which kinda bombed so I’m going to modify that goal for this year. You’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see how I do that. 🙂

The other goal I didn’t do well with was giving unloved tropes a second chance. All of 8 out of 519 books read fit that criteria. I’ve discovered that I can be stubborn in my dislikes so I think this is another goal that will have to be modified for this year. The tropes I reluctantly read (and ironically enjoyed!) were amnesia, serial killer, mean girl personified, billionaire and runaway bride (in case you were wondering.)

My other goals were to keep stats and track my armchair travels…which I did as you can see by my lovely graphs — tada — lots of emotional agony and headaches went into their creation. My brain still hurts. I could never have been a mathematician or a statistician!!!!

Phew! Now it’s your turn: Did you make reading goals this year? If so, how did it go? Share below and remember to include a book title that will help you achieve any kind of reading 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 JANUARY 6 2024.

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.

It’s a 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 January 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 January 6 2024.

Thanks so much for participating in this two week extravaganza of anticipatory bookish delight! 🙂 I’m excited because I got to start a brand new TBR book with lots of room to include all the new releases coming up in my future. I even marked the occasion by using my new uniball gel pen and it glides!!!! (Bet you didn’t know I was this nerdy, eh? But I swoon over notebooks and pens nearly as much as I do over books!) 🙂

Before we get to the fun stuff, here’s some ( nerd alert) bibliophile stats for you. I always find it fascinating to see what the most requested books are in each category. If you don’t, just scroll down until we get to the part where I announce the winners.

And now it’s time to move into the part of this post you will be most interested in (and I thank you for indulging in my bibliophile nerdiness.)

READER’S CHOICE WEEK CHRISTMAS EDITION 2023 WINNERS!

HISTORICAL FICTION CATEGORY 1

If the Boot Fits by Jen Turn

WON BY:

SARAH

HISTORICAL FICTION CATEGORY 2

All My Secrets by Lynn Austin

WON BY

DIANE FLOWERS

CONTEMPORARY FICTION CATEGORY 1

Double Take by Lynette Eason

WON BY

PARKLAND MOM (TAMMY)

CONTEMPORARY FICTION CATEGORY 2

The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartel

WON BY

LANE HILL HOUSE (KATHLEEN)

SUSPENSE CATEGORY 1

Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble

WON BY:

JACKIE

SUSPENSE CATEGORY 2

What I Promise you by Liz Tolsma

WON BY;

SANDY AVERY

AMISH FICTION CATEGORY 1

An Unconventional Amish Pair by Emma Miller

WON BY:

COLORVIBRANT (HEIDI)

AMISH FICTION CATEGORY 2

Courting an Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele

WON BY:

LUCY

GENERAL CHRISTIAN FICTION CATEGORY 1

The Legacy of Rocking K Ranch (novella collection)

WON BY:

PAM K.

GENERAL CHRISTIAN FICTION CATEGORY 2

Rocky Road by Becky Wade

WON BY:

LEA

But wait, it’s not over yet. The Vanity category has become a blog tradition. It’s where a book is actually judged by its cover and I choose my favourite cover art per genre and then draw from a pool of readers who requested that title. Here are my COVER LOVE winners!!

HISTORICAL COVER LOVE WINNER!

I love a cover that tells a story all on it’s own and this one sure does! Love the design that draws the eye to the figures in the centre. Don’t you just need to know what she’s saying? And who that little boy is to her? And the ominous read ‘cloud’ in the distance. Shudder. Would buy this book on cover merit alone.

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

won by:

CC

CONTEMPORARY COVER LOVE WINNER!

I’ll admit that none of the Contemporary covers wowed me this time round. BUT I am completely intrigued by this title and since it’s on the cover — tada — we have a winner.

The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

won by:

PATTY

SUSPENSE COVER LOVE WINNER!

I like the eerie effect of the background superimposed over the hero’s profile. Or is it the other way round? However you look at it, it’s intriguing and I need to know what he’s thinking. Deep thoughts for sure!

One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey

won by:

KATHRYN

AMISH FICTION COVER LOVE!

A pretty standard Amish cover but I find the bright background really appealing…and a nice contrast to her dress (turquoise? teal?)

Miracles at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

won by:

KAY GARRETT

WAIT! Don’t go away ’cause we’re not through. We have another Reader’s Choice tradition of picking a random number which becomes a ‘just because giveaway’ on the genre specific days. If that doesn’t make sense, all you need to know is that it means more book giveaways. Woohoo! This time the number is: 21

HISTORICAL 21st

The Foxhole Victory Tour by Amy Lynn Green

won by

ELIZABETH LITTON

CONTEMPORARY 21st

The Cowboy’s Secret Past by Tina Radcliffe

won by

LORI SMANSKI

SUSPENSE 21st

Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn

won by

TRACEY

AMISH 21st

The Amish Beekeeper’s Dilemma by Patrice Lewis

won by

KIM H.

That’s another RC wrap up. I’ll send winners an email stating their book win, publication date and requesting contact info so that I’ll have everything ready for release day. Then I’ll email you once again once the book has been ordered. Oh — and if you didn’t include your email in your comment it’s up to you to contact me.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK’S GIVEAWAYS:

I was sick over Christmas so didn’t get everything done I intended — including celebrating with family — so I’m playing catch up this week. Plus I intended to use the time between Christmas and New Year to spiff up the blog a bit and that hasn’t happened so…I’m taking a bit longer break and will only post three days this first week in January:

Wednesday January 3 2024 — Hello January — new release giveaway! (aren’t you glad you have your TBR lists already updated?!)

Thursday January 4 2024 — 2023 Goals in Review — let’s catch up on what we achieved (or didn’t) and this giveaway will be for the book that got away last year. So it’s kind of a second chance love story between you and a book. 🙂

Friday January 5 2024 — New Year Reading Goals! — a chance to share new reading goals for the New Year along with the chance of winning a book that will help you on your way.

No giveaway today. Just wanted to stop by and share a few more finds that I’m excited about. Again, I apologize if any of these have been mentioned on previous days — so many books to remember! — and it’s better to mention twice than not at all. 🙂

JANUARY RELEASES

Water’s Break by Sophia I. Hansen – Enclave Escape – YOUNG ADULT, FANTASY

What if fear itself is the deadliest undercurrent of all?

Nica would do anything to avoid the hassles of her sister’s bonding ceremony—the wrap fittings, hairstyles, and braided fire coral—but she never imagined that the waters covering her planet would be broken. As the heavens rained fire and stone, mountains erupted from the sea and dry ground was birthed on the Deep, dividing the water—and the Olomi people—for the first time in their history.

In the wake of her world’s violent re-formation, Nica’s family is shattered. When the rookie Guardian leaves the safety of the Deep to find her sister, she is abducted by strange landwalkers who possess strength and technology beyond her imagination. Nica realizes that the disaster from above was by their design—a calculated plan to terraform the water planet and conquer her people. All Nica wants to do is find her sister and swim home to safety, but with the landwalkers closing in, escape may not be possible. And if Nica can’t save herself, how can she hope to save her sister—or her people?

Once a Queen by Sarah Arthur – WaterBrook Press – YOUNG ADULT, FANTASY

An American teenager discovers that her estranged English grandmother was once a queen in another world in the debut novel from bestselling author and speaker Sarah Arthur.

When fourteen-year-old Eva Joyce unexpectedly finds herself spending the summer at the mysterious manor house of the English grandmother she’s never met, troubling questions arise. Why the estrangement? What’s with the house’s employees and their guarded secrets? Why must Eva never mention trains, her father, or her favorite childhood fairy tales?

After strange things start happening in the gardens at night, Eva turns to the elderly housekeeper, gardener, and the gardener’s great-grandson, Frankie, for answers. Astonishingly, they all seem to believe the fairy tales are true–that portals to other worlds still exist, though hidden and steadily disappearing. They suspect that Eva’s grandmother was once a queen in one of those worlds.

But Eva’s grandmother denies it all. After a horrific family tragedy when she was young, her heart is closed to the beauty and pain of her past. It’s up to Eva, with Frankie’s help, to discover what really happened, whether family relationships can be restored, and if the portals are closed forever. As she unravels generational secrets, Eva wrestles with the grief of a vanishing childhood–and the fear that growing up means giving up fairy tales forever.

Nightfall (Benson First Responders; 6) by Lisa Phillips – Indie – SUSPENSE

Big City Crime. Small Town Heroes. A woman determined to save lives.

Violet Anderson fights for survival every day, as an EMT and volunteering at a center for teens. But nothing will erase the fallout of hitting rock bottom. Determined to keep going, Lettie has to juggle her callings and pray nothing falls out of her grasp. When her personal and professional lives crash into each other, she lands in the middle of a police investigation. Her carefully constructed boundaries are about to fall. But facing the path God puts in front of her head on means she could gain everything she’s ever wanted.

A cop looking for a place to call home. Detective Blake Reed might be new to Intelligence, but he’s spent years training for this. All his skills will be put to the test when he’s given an assignment to sniff out drug deals at the Benson Teen Center. When he realizes who Lettie really is, the flimsy foundation of his career is shaken. Will the past come back to bite him and destroy the good he’s been able to do?With a dangerous bomber on the loose, Violet and Blake have to figure out how to keep it all from burning down. This time the entire first responder community is on the line.

FEBRUARY RELEASES

Operation Scarlet by Rachel McMillian – Thomas Nelson – HISTORICAL, WWII

The future of the country depends upon their secret lives, but the things they keep from one another are tearing them apart.

France, 1944 : The clever and dashing Phineas Fulham is deeply involved in the resistance movement. Entrenched in the Black Market, he determines dealers and buyers sympathetic to working against the growing spread of Nazi hatred. While in Paris, fate reintroduces him to a beautiful opera singer from his past, Marlena Sartin. Their romance blossoms as the occupied city becomes more tightly held by the vise grip of Germany.

Meanwhile, Marlena is holding secrets of her own. She has her own part to play in the changing landscape of France, but she can’t help being drawn to Phin. It is on their wedding day that they both learn that the other’s secrets could threaten them both. And with D-day looming, the things they’re keeping from each other threaten not just the future of their love, but of the country and the war itself.

Transporting readers to war-occupied Dover, Rouen, and Paris, Operation Scarlet breathes new life into a classic revolutionary story with fresh wit, romance, and the spirit of swashbuckling heroism that transcends wars and centuries.

Dysfunction Junction by Robin W. Pearson – Tyndale – WOMEN’S FICTION, SOUTHERN FICTION

When three women receive an unexpected phone call that leaves them reeling, they have no other choice but to reckon with a lifetime of memories they’ve long tried to bury. Only in facing the past will they find their path forward.

Frances Mae Livingston’s firm grip of her family’s destructive history makes her hold her husband and four children even closer. But she’s losing bits of herself while proving to everybody and her mama that she’s enough. There’s no way she’ll repeat her mama’s mistakes, even if it kills her.

Annabelle McMillan didn’t have trouble kicking the Eastern North Carolina dust off her feet. The tough part was replanting herself in familiar soil. Now she’s blending her old life with her new husband, stepson, and unborn child. And battling old memories of abandonment and new fears of rejection.

Dr. Charlotte Winters has built a career around helping others sort through their emotional baggage. She’s also spent a lifetime refusing to unpack her own. So what if Charlotte doesn’t recall all that her mama did to her and what her daddy didn’t do for her? Her only mission is to help others help themselves…until the women from her past and the man in her future undo her well-sewn life.

At the junction of healed and hurting, broken and whole, and past and present, three women wrestle with their inability to forgive and forget in this riveting Southern family drama about sisterhood from award-winning author Robin W. Pearson.

MARCH RELEASES

Allie’s Amish Family Miracle by Tracy Fredrychowski – Indie – AMISH, CONTEMPORARY

Two worlds collide when true love enters an Old Order Amish community. Can this young woman go against tradition and find happiness in forbidden love?

Allie Mast struggles to fit into her new community. Determined to prove herself to the Raber family, she can’t help but notice how her Mennonite background and Rueben’s Amish roots are causing tension between them. Every family has hurts and deep wounds, but the constant conflict pushes her to a place where she will do anything to get what she wants.

Reuben Raber has no desire to take over Raber Farms. When his overbearing mother, Saloma, is set to ruin any hopes of him making a life with Allie, his faith is tested beyond measure, and he experiences a crisis of conviction.

Can this determined couple find the courage to step out in faith and pursue peace and healing even when persecuted for their unconventional union?

This Ain’t No Promised Land by Tina Shelton – Kregel – WOMEN’S FICTION

No matter how far you run, you can’t escape yourself–or outrun the love of God.

When her husband dies, Charlotte can’t face the things she’s done, things that could tear her family apart. So she drops a goodbye letter in the cookie jar and flees south to escape everything–her life, her three daughters, the mistakes she’s made, and the secrets that have been eating her alive. She’s desperate to find the peace she’s looking for somewhere out there.

Now Gracey and her sisters are alone on Chicago’s South Side with nothing but their home and their belongings, not a parent to be seen. They’re doing everything they can to stay together as a family. But three young girls–sixteen, fourteen, and twelve–aren’t meant to parent themselves. The close-knit community gathers around them to keep them fed and clothed with the utilities on, but it isn’t enough. The girls are struggling and making destructive decisions as a way of coping with abandonment.

Hundreds of miles away, Charlotte is trying to keep her own head above water. She’s made a close friend who talks to her about God in a way Charlotte’s never heard before. But when her demons catch up to her, she must face her past head-on. Will she be able to find the courage to embrace motherhood? And will that be enough not to lose her family altogether?

Debut author Tina Shelton drops readers straight into 1980s South Side Chicago. Her raw, authentic writing welcomes those who are willing to come alongside characters dealing with generational trauma, abandonment, hidden abuse, destructive choices, and the desire to be set free