I’ve been super impressed recently with the exceptional quality of books written by debut novelists, ones whose books read as if penned by an experienced published writer. Katherine Reay and Lori Benton are two writers whose names immediately jump to mind. I’d love to hear your pick of a debut novelist (recently or in the past) whose first novel was exceptional.
Whose debut novel impressed you more than you anticipated?
March 11, 2014 at 2:05 am
Fun question Rel! I’d add Jessica Dotta. I loved Born of Persuasion. I can’t wait for the next one!
March 11, 2014 at 10:04 pm
Jamie Lapeyrolerie » Good pick, Jamie – thanks for sharing.
March 11, 2014 at 2:41 am
My favorite book I read last year was a debut novel- Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson. It was adorable and the characters had fabulous chemistry. LOVED it.
I also loved Dear Mr. Knightley. Can’t wait to read her next book!!!
March 11, 2014 at 12:52 pm
I’m currently looking up ” Edenbrooke”, Heidi! It sounds great! Now I want to read it 🙂
March 11, 2014 at 9:54 pm
Ganise » My dear friend Kelli loved Edenbrooke so I keep meaning to get my hands on it, too!
March 11, 2014 at 10:04 pm
Heidi » I’ve been told numerous times to read Edenbrooke by a dear friend. I must, obviously! Have you read Julianne’s second novel?
March 11, 2014 at 3:49 am
Yeah the debut authors out there today are blowing my socks off (figuratively since I abhor wearing socks)!! The most recent debuts that I adored were Melissa Tagg and Melissa Jagears, their books were amazing!! Some others (these are a little older) who I read their debut and thought to myself “This is a new favorite author” are: Ronie Kendig, Irene Hannon, Sarah Sundin, Karen Witemeyer, Dani Pettrey, Jen Turano, Julie Lessman, Melanie Dickerson, Jocelyn Green, and Cathy Marie Hake!
March 11, 2014 at 10:03 pm
Abbi Hart » Great list, Abbi – I was delighted with Melissa’s, too. We obviously have the same great taste 😉
March 11, 2014 at 7:14 am
Katie Ganshert’s debut novel was impressive!
March 11, 2014 at 10:02 pm
Laura Jackson » True! And she keeps getting better, too, Laura, don’t you think?
March 11, 2014 at 9:15 am
Anne Elisabeth Stengl. I got her first book as a free ebook and wasn’t expecting much. Boy was I wrong. I rarely read series, but she has sucked me in.
March 11, 2014 at 10:00 pm
Heather Harris » Good pick, Heather – I think a lot of people have felt similarly about Anne’s fantasy series and then got hooked, too!
March 11, 2014 at 12:21 pm
I’m currently giving Lori Benton’s ”Burning Sky” a try! And I’ve got my sight on her latest.
Your question is not easy, Rel… Let’s see. I found Julie Lessman’s, Carla Laureano’s, Tessa Afshar’s and Jody Hedlund’s debuts very impressive. Love discovering new authors.
March 11, 2014 at 9:58 pm
Ganise » Can’t rave enough about Lori’s debut!! Tessa Afshar – yes! Pearl in the Sand is one of my all time favourite novels.
March 11, 2014 at 1:46 pm
This is a tough one though I think there are several I could say – those that come to mind are Melissa Tagg, Katherine Reay and when she first released through BH, Dani Pettrey’s ‘Submerged’ was (IS) phenomenal.
Wonderful question! 🙂
March 11, 2014 at 9:53 pm
Rissi » Yes, yes, yes! I’d say the same for Ronie Kendig’s Dead Reckoning – brilliant debut that left me wondering where she’d been all my reading life – hehe!
March 11, 2014 at 2:57 pm
I have two recently-discovered debut authors.
Suzanne Field (The Painted Table) made quite a mark on me. Her book was incredibly well written and presented in an unusual style that intrigued me right off the bat before I even got very far into the book. You have my review for that one.
And I will reiterate Jamie’s vote for Jessica Dotta. I just finished ‘Born of Persuasion’ and will send you the review sometime this week. Exquisite, intriguing, engrossing….if that was this author’s for book we are in for a treat! I can’t wait for the next book. Happy to review it if it lands in your hands…..
March 11, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Tracy » Hey Trac – yes, I’ve been a bit behind on posting reviews but I will get to them 🙂 Jessica’s has received very positive reviews and it sounds like yours will reinforce that! I hear you on the sequel 😉
March 11, 2014 at 8:26 pm
Julie Cantrell’s Into the Free rates up there as one of my favourite debuts. Others include Katherine Reay, Carla Laureano and Katie Ganshert 🙂
March 11, 2014 at 9:50 pm
Kara I » Oh, yes, Kara ~ Julie’s debut was wonderful. The first time I’ve selected a debut novel for my book club, I think. This year I’m doing Lori’s and Katherine’s! Carla and Katie’s novels were excellent, too.
March 12, 2014 at 12:57 am
I know I must sound like a broken record but The Outcast.