Karen’s Favorite Reads of 2015

Wishing a belated Happy New Year to everyone here! I’m just recently back from vacationing with the family at Disney World (So much fun! Such lovely weather!), and just starting to get back into the swing of blogging and everyday life in general. So this post may be running a bit later than similar posts at other blogs. Nevertheless, may I share with you a few of my favorite reads from 2015?


GENERAL FICTION

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert

This is a contemporary story full of raw honesty, brokenness, grace, and hope. It’s about two half-sisters discovering what’s worth fighting for, and it’s told from their distinctive first person viewpoints.

Spy of Richmond by Jocelyn Green

I read this Civil War era historical for an ACFW Book Club discussion and was blown away by the vivid and sometimes surprising historical details, complex characters, and page-turning premise. Watch for my full review coming to the blog soon.


MYSTERIES

Trial by Twelve by Heather Gilbert

This second installment in Heather Day Gilbert’s A Murder in the Mountains series delivers a contemporary amateur sleuthing mystery set in West Virginia. First person narration by a spunky heroine, draws the reader into the story.

A Singular and Whimsical Problem by Rachel McMillan

This novella does a brilliant job evoking the tone and style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective series, while introducing the female detective duo starring in the new Herringford and Watts mystery series. My review coming soon.


ROMANCE

By Your Side by Candace Calvert

Here’s a romantic suspense novel with lots to love – witty banter, sigh-worthy romantic moments, great descriptions, and a suspenseful storyline to draw you in and keep you engaged.

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

This historical romance is a tale of healing, redemption, mystery, suspense, and of course, love. The characters and their situations tugged on my heartstrings in a big way, making the resolution all the more beautiful.

Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter

This first book in the new Summer Harbor series is a sweet contemporary romance with substance. It also features some suspenseful plot twists later in the book, for those who like suspense with their romance.

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Here’s the third contemporary fairytale style romance in Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding Series. It’s a fun story, with an amazing audio edition read by Eleni Pappageorge. My review of the audiobook is coming soon.


SPECULATIVE

Found and Lost by Amanda G Stevens

This is book 2 in a series you kind of have to start with book 1. But it’s so fascinating! What if Christianity as we know it was illegal, replaced by a state religion?

The Sunken Realm by Serena Chase

This final installment in the Eyes of E’veria fantasy series is packed full of action, adventure, romance, witty banter, and a unique blend of clever piratey justice. I love this series! Great for YA or adult readers.


THRILLERS

AD 33 by Ted Dekker

A fascinating tale of epic adventure, romance and political intrigue that draws the reader in to the life and times of Jesus, primarily from the viewpoint of a Bedouin woman who follows His teachings.

Trial Run by Thomas Locke

This techno-thriller is written in the style of many New York Times bestsellers with short action-packed chapters and the kind of direct prose that cuts straight to the point. The premise caught my attention and the storytelling kept me turning the pages. Review to come.


Want to discover even more great reads of the year? Check out these lists of favorites from a few of my favorite book bloggers: Books and Beverages, Bookshelves and Windows, By the Book, Dreaming Under the Same Moon, Flowers of Quiet Happiness, The Green Mockingbird, Relz Reviewz, and Seasons of Humility.

What about you? What were your favorite reads of 2015?

17 thoughts on “Karen’s Favorite Reads of 2015

  1. Oh man, there’s so many on this list I need to read! I definitely need to read the Art of Losing Yourself and Trial by Twelve – heard a lot about both of those! Oh and A.D. 33 – I loved the first, so I really need to get to it already!

    1. I’m glad you stopped by Amanda. It’s cool to hear you enjoyed The Sunken Realm too. I have some catching up to do on my reading of the Haven Seekers series, but I just know I’m going to love the last two books. The first two were that fabulous! :)

  2. Hi Karen! I’m recently back from vacationing in Ireland so just catching up on responding to this blog post! Thank you so much for including Spy of Richmond on your list of 2015 favorites! I’m thrilled Sophie’s and Bella’s stories stood out to you. Honored to be among all these other greats.

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