Category Archives: Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday: Romantic Reads on my To-Be-Read List

Happy (Almost) Valentine’s Day to my reader friends! To help celebrate the romantic nature of the upcoming holiday, I’ve rounded up a list of some of the romantic stories I’ve been wanting to read. A few of these are being released this month, while others have been patiently waiting on my to be read list for a while. So… which should I read next? Decisions, decisions!

The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof
Historical Romance, Independently Published
August 2016
Winner of the 2017 INSPY Award, Christy Award, and Carol Award

The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron
Split-Time Romance from Thomas Nelson
February 2018

A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden
Empire State, Book 1
Historical Romance from Bethany House
October 2017

Told You So by Kristen Heitzmann
Told You, Book 1
Contemporary Romance, Independently Published
November 2015

The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano
Supper Club, Book 1
Contemporary Christian Fiction from Tyndale House
Audio from Oasis Audio
February 2018

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers
Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House
Audio from Recorded Books
February 2018

Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren
Montana Rescue, Book 4
Contemporary Romance from Revell
Audio from Recorded Books
January 2018 (Audio in August)

True to You by Becky Wade
Bradford Sisters Romance, Book 1
Contemporary Romance from Bethany House
May 2017

Paper Hearts by Courtney Walsh
Paper Hearts, Book 1
Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House
January 2015

The Mail Order Brides Collection  by Kathleen Y’Baro, Megan Besing, Noelle Marchand, Donna Schlachter, Michelle Schocklee, Sherri Shackelford, Ann Shorey, Liz Tolsma, and Jennifer Uhlarik.
9 Historical Stories of Marriage That Precedes Love from Barbour Books
February 2018

Are there any romances you’ve particularly enjoyed or have been wanting to read? Please share in the comments. Or to check out more Romance themed Top Ten Tuesday posts from other bloggers around the Web, check out the linkup at That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I’m Looking Forward To In 2018

Merry (slightly belated) Christmas to my blogging friends! :)

I’ve already discussed some of my favorite reads from 2017, so today I’m following the Top Ten Tuesday topic and taking a look ahead to the books coming in early 2018 that I’m most looking forward to.

Under a Cloudless Sky by Chris Fabry
Standalone Novel
General Fiction from Tyndale House
Releasing January 2018

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz
Standalone Novel
Historical Fiction from Revell
Releasing January 2018

Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke
Standalone Novel
Historical Fiction from Tyndale House
Releasing January 2018

Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren
Montana Rescue, Book 4
Contemporary Romance from Revell
Audio from Recorded Books
Releasing January 2018 (Audio in August)

The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano
Supper Club, Book 1
Contemporary Christian Fiction from Tyndale House
Audio from Oasis Audio
Releasing February 2018

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers
Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House
Audio from Recorded Books
Releasing February 2018

If I Live by Terri Blackstock
If I Run, Book 3
Contemporary Romantic Suspense from Zondervan
Audio from Brilliance Audio
Releasing March 2018

No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert
Standalone Novel
Contemporary Christian Fiction from WaterBrook
Releasing April 2018

Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin
Standalone Novel
General Fiction from Thomas Nelson
Audio from Brilliance Audio
Releasing May 2018

No Less Days by Amanda G Stevens
Standalone Novel
Speculative Fiction from Shiloh Run Press
Releasing May 2018

So those are ten of the books I can’t wait to read in the coming year. I’d love to hear which books appear on your most anticipated list here in the comments. Or, to see what books other bloggers are looking forward to reading, check out this week’s Top Ten Tuesday posts over at the Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Tuesday: My Favorite Christian Fiction of 2017

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There have been so many amazing books this year, it’s been hard to keep up. In fact, I’m a bit later than I meant to be in posting this, because I wanted to squeeze in just one or two more books before making a final decision on my favorites for the year. Despite the delay, here is my Top Ten Tuesday post, with books listed in alphabetical order by author. I think my librarian roots must be showing….

Anyway, to see what other bloggers consider the best reads of 2017, check out the links over at the Broke and the Bookish blog. But before you go, I’d love to hear about your favorite books this year. Please consider sharing in the comments.

Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar
Biblical Fiction from Tyndale House
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

If I’m Found by Terri Blackstock
Contemporary Suspense from Zondervan
If I Run, Book 2
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin
Historical Fiction from Bethany House
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Maybe It’s You by Candace Calvert
Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Moving Target by Lynette Eason
Contemporary Romantic Suspense from Revell
Elite Guardians, Book 3
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason
Contemporary Romantic Suspense from Revell
Elite Guardians, Book 4
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

A Trail of Crumbs by Susie Finkbeiner
Historical Fiction from Kregel Publications
Pearl Spence, Book 2
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Life After by Katie Ganshert
Contemporary Fiction from WaterBrook Multnomah
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Rescue Me by Susan May Warren
Contemporary Romance from Revell
Montana Rescue, Book 2
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall
Contemporary Amish Fiction
The Amish of Summer Grove, Book 3
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I’m Thankful For

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With Thanksgiving right around the corner, my thoughts are turning to turkey and gravy, and family, and stuffing, and mashed potatoes… and some of the things I’m thankful for… and pumpkin pie. In no particular order. And, since this week’s Top 10 Tuesday topic at The Broke and the Bookish is “Top Ten Books I’m Thankful For,” that’s what I’ve decided to blog about. I’d love to hear what books you’re thankful for too.

The Bible.  If you know my reading habits and my beliefs, this one kind of goes without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway. No other book can ever be as life changing or important to me as this one. The overarching story of the Bible is a beautiful tale of God’s love for mankind and his plan of grace and redemption. It amazes me how, after reading it for years, I still glean something new with each reading.

The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron.  I won an autographed copy of this novel in a Goodreads giveaway. And reading it introduced me to an author who quickly became one of my favorites. Then I got to meet her in person at a writing conference and discovered what a sweet and thoughtful person she is. The book itself is both meaningful and beautifully written, and I highly recommend reading it.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.  The summer between second and third grade, the children’s librarian at my local library recommended I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I loved it so much then, and I love it (and the rest of the titles in the series) even more now that I can better appreciate its allegorical elements.

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst.  This inspirational nonfiction book reassured me that letting go of busywork is okay, even a good thing, when it makes room for more meaningful activities. It sounds kind of obvious, but it was something I really needed to hear at the time, and still do every now and then.

The Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems.  I first heard of this series in a Library conference session where the speaker discussed fun book related activities to do with kids, such as using elephant and pig masks or puppets along with these books. My kids and I love the humor and the fun of reading and acting out these characters’ antics. In fact, these books have played a part in some of our family’s most enjoyable reading experiences.

The Haven Seekers Series by Amanda G. Stevens.  This series exemplifies what I would like to see more of in Christian fiction. A thought provoking premise, realistically flawed characters, and Christian themes that are neither preachy nor superficial. You’ll want to start reading with Seek and Hide, the first title in the series, but I think it’s the fourth and final one that’s my favorite, called Far and Near.

The Story Equation by Susan May Warren.  Susie and fellow author Rachel Hauck presented and demonstrated the story building concepts from this book at a writing conference I attended before this book had become a book. I was fascinated by what I heard, but had to miss half their talk in order to keep my appointment to pitch my novel to an agent. So you can imagine I was thrilled to find this book a few years later and fill in the missing pieces. I’m in the midst of reading it now, and already planning to read it through again.

A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert and Not in the Heart by Chris Fabry. These were the books that first introduced me to two of my favorite authors. Both use beautiful language to tell the kind of meaty and discussable story that I find fascinating, and that can be perfect for a book discussion group.

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer. This book holds a special place in my heart because the heroine is a librarian like me, and the hero is a blacksmith like my husband. It was also my first taste of this author’s humorous writing style. It’s been way too long since I’ve read this one though, so I’m thinking I may need to revisit these characters again soon.

So those are a few of the titles that came to mind, when thinking of books I’m thankful for. Which books would you put on your list?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Reads of 2017 (The Second Half)

Back in January I blogged about my top 10 most anticipated new releases for the first half of the year. Now I’m following that post up with my top 10 most anticipated reads scheduled to release this July through December. That also happens to be the Top Ten Tuesday topic over at the Broke and the Bookish, so be sure to hop over there and check out what upcoming books other bloggers are excited about too. And, as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on which books you’re most excited about right here in the comments.

top_10_tuesday_anticipated_reads

Light of Dawn by Vanetta Chapman
The Remnant, Book 3
Futuristic Suspense from Harvest House
Releasing July 2017

Just Look Up by Courtney Walsh
Standalone Novel
Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House
Releasing July 2017

A Matter of Trust by Susan May Warren
Montana Rescue, Book 3
Contemporary Romance from Bethany House
Releasing July 2017

The Two of Us by Victoria Bylin
Standalone Novel
Contemporary Romance from Bethany House
Releasing August 2017

Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason
Elite Guardians, Book 4
Romantic Suspense from Revell
Releasing August 2017

Rule of Law by Randy Singer
Standalone Novel
Military and Legal Suspense from Tyndale House
Releasing September 2017

Isaiah’s Daughter by Mesu Andrews
Standalone Novel
Biblical Fiction from WaterBrook Press
Releasing October 2017

Perennials by Julie Cantrell
Standalone Novel
Women’s Fiction from Thomas Nelson
Releasing November 2017

The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay
Standalone Novel
Women’s Fiction from Thomas Nelson
Releasing November 2017

The Sound of Rain by Sarah Loudin Thomas
Standalone Novel
Historical Book Club Fiction from Bethany House
Releasing November 2017

Top Ten Tuesday: Inspirational Romance

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Happy Valentine’s Day! Since today is Valentine’s Day, I figured what better genre of fiction to talk about than Romance. Am I right? And, conveniently enough, this week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt from The Broke and the Bookish is “All About Romance Tropes/Types.” Since my preferred flavor of romance is the Inspirational Romance variety, that’s the type of romance my list will focus upon.

Following are a few of my favorite Inspirational Romance series and standalones from the last few years:

First the Standalones

(alphabetically, since narrowing the list down was already tough enough without forcing myself to rank them):

1. A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

This was the first book I read by Katie Ganshert and it made a big impression on me. A wonderful contemporary romance, but also so much more than a romance. Here’s my (somewhat lengthy) review of A Broken Kind of Beautiful.

2. Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Yowser. This one packs some serious emotional punch. Seriously. If you haven’t read it yet, why not? See my review of Dear Mr. Knightley to see what you’ve been missing. Also, I recently learned that it’s now available as an audiobook. Be still my heart!

3. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Because what kind of list of inspirational romance could be complete without this one on it? This is a beloved classic of this genre for a reason. See my review of Redeeming Love.

And Next the Series

(also alphabetically by author):

4. Crisis Team series by Candace Calvert

The first two books in this series have bumped this author’s work rapidly up my must-read list. To find out why, check out my reviews of By Your Side and Step by Step. And, in case you were unaware… the third book in this series (Maybe It’s You) just released this month!

5. Eyes of E’veria series by Serena Chase

I guest-blogged with this author before I read her books. And then I read her books and totally fell for her storyworld and characters. See my reviews of The Ryn, The Remedy, The Seahorse Legacy, and The Sunken Realm.

6. Elite Guardians series by Lynette Eason

This series of romantic suspense novels features a group of highly skilled female bodyguards. Pretty good premise, huh? And well written to boot. Check out my review of the audio edition of Always Watching. I’ll be posting my review of Without Warning in the next few weeks, but suffice to say, that one’s pretty fabulous too. Can’t wait to read the next two titles in the series!

7. Hope Harbor series by Irene Hannon

After reading the first two titles in this series, I want to visit the lovely seaside town of Hope Harbor, even if it is fictional! See my reviews of Hope Harbor and Sea Rose Lane.

8. Royal Wedding series by Rachel Hauck

This series is among my favorites in audiobook format, because Eleni Pappageorge does such a fabulous job as narrator, with the characters’ British and southern accents. See my reviews of Once Upon a Prince, Princess Ever After, and How to Catch a Prince.

9. Beacons of Hope series by Jodi Hedlund

For fans of historical romance, this series is a treat. It centers around historical lighthouses in Michigan and their operators. I’m a little behind in reading this series, but I hope to catch up one of these days! See my reviews of Out of the Storm, Love Unexpected, and Hearts Made Whole.

10. Full Steam Ahead series by Karen Witemeyer

For a witty read with a historical and scientific spin, check out Full Steam Ahead (see my review). There’s a novella (Love on the Mend) in the series too, that I’ve been wanting to read.


Let’s chat. What are your favorite romances? And will you be making any time for a romantic read this Valentine’s Day?

My Top Ten Most Anticipated Reads of 2017

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Happy New Year to my fellow book enthusiasts!

I must confess, I intended for this to be a Top Ten Tuesday post when I made my list. But when I went back to look at this week’s prompt from The Broke and The Bookish, I realized I’d misread the prompt, and more closely approximated the prompt done on December 13th. Oops!

I went back and forth on whether to redo my list to focus on the “Top Ten 2017 Debuts I’m Excited For” (as prompted) or whether to go with the list I’d already written. In the end, I decided the list I really wanted to share were my top ten most anticipated reads for the first half of 2017, whether debut or not. So…that’s what I’ve done. And I’d love to hear about the books you’re looking forward to in 2017 as well… debut or not. :)

Without further ado, the upcoming releases I’m most looking forward to:

Moving Target by Lynette Eason
Elite Guardians, Book 3
Contemporary Suspense from Revell
Releasing January 2017

Still Life by Dani Pettrey
Chesapeake Valor, Book 2
Romantic Suspense from Bethany House
Releasing January 2017

Maybe It’s You by Candace Calvert
Crisis Team, Book 3
Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House
Releasing February 2017

Recruits by Thomas Locke
First in a new series.
Science Fiction from Revell
Releasing February 2017

To The Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden
Historical Romance
From Bethany House
Releasing February 2017

A Trail of Crumbs by Susie Finkbeiner
A Novel of the Great Depression
Historical Fiction from Kregel Publications
Releasing March 2017

Life After by Katie Ganshert
Contemporary Fiction
From WaterBrook
Releasing April 2017

Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon
Hope Harbor, Book 3
Contemporary Romance from Revell
Releasing April 2017

A Fragile Hope by Cynthia Ruchti
Contemporary Fiction
From Abingdon
Releasing April 2017

The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber
First in a new series.
Science Fiction from Thomas Nelson
Releasing June 2017

Are any of these upcoming releases on your To Be Read List? What are you most excited about reading in 2017?

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Christian Fiction Books and Audiobooks of 2016

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My blog post today is based upon this week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt provided by The Broke and the Bookish – Top 10 Best Books of 2016. I decided to limit my list to Christian fiction books and audiobooks that were both released in 2016 and read by me in 2016. There were some really fabulous stories released this year, so as you can probably imagine, it wasn’t easy to choose!

Step by Step by Candace Calvert.
Contemporary romance from Tyndale House.
Book 2 in the Crisis Team series.
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Amazon | Author’s Site

Far and Near by Amanda G. Stevens.
Speculative fiction from David C. Cook.
Book 4 in the Haven Seekers series.
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Amazon | Author’s Site

The Promise of Jesse Woods by Chris Fabry.
Historical Fiction from Tyndale House. Audio from Recorded Books.
A great choice for book discussion groups.
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Author’s Site

The Undoing of Saint Silvanus by Beth Moore.
Contemporary Mystery from Tyndale House. Audio from Oasis Audio.
A great choice for book discussion groups. Review to come.
Quick Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Author’s Site

Sea Rose Lane by Irene Hannon.
Contemporary Romance from Revell. Audio from Recorded Books.
Book 2 of the Hope Harbor series.
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Author’s Site

Priceless by Joel and Luke Smallbone.
Contemporary Fiction from Worthy Publishing. Audio from christianaudio.
A novelization of the movie by the same name. Review to come.
Quick Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Author’s Site

Always Watching by Lynette Eason.
Romantic Suspense from Revell. Audio from Tantor Audio.
Book 1 of the Elite Guardians series.
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Author’s Site

Close to You by Kara Isaac.
Contemporary Romance from Howard Books.
A debut novel by a talented new author. Review to come.
Quick Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author’s Site

Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa.
Mystery / Suspense from Revell. Audio from Oasis Audio.
Book 1 of the Coffey and Hill series. Review to come.
Quick Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Author’s Site

Fraying at the Edge by Cindy Woodsmall.
Amish Fiction from WaterBrook Multnomah. Audio from Recorded Books.
Book 2 of The Amish of Summer Grove series. Review to come.
Quick Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Author’s Site

So those are my top ten reads of the year for 2016, though I know there are lots more fabulous books out there that I haven’t had the chance to read yet, including some on my must-read-soon list. Which were your favorites this year?