Every year I agonise over my Top 10 list! There are always a number of books that I’d love to have on my list that I can’t fit in ~ books like Candace Calvert’s Trauma Plan, Cathy Gohlke’s Promise Me This, Elizabeth Camden’s Against the Tide, Lisa Bergren’s Glamorous Illusions, Jody Hedlund’s Unending Devotion, Jim Rubart’s The Chair, Susan May Warren’s Baroness & Sarah Sundin’s With Every Letter ~ all stories I adored and HIGHLY recommend!
My list this year is in no particular order and includes books that have engaged me for one reason or another ~ topic, issue, prose, style, uniqueness ~ that have grabbed my attention and made me think, smile, laugh, become emotional or challenged me. I’ve included a snippet from my review (if there was one) and I recommend you click on the title links if you want to order or the author name to visit their website.
I’ve cheated a little with Ronie and Tamara but I seriously couldn’t separate their 2012 releases – besides it’s my blog post so I reckon I can do with it what I like – LOL!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on my list and for you to share with me some of your favourites for 2012.
Happy New Year to all my wonderful readers and here’s to a brilliant reading year in 2013!
[amazon_link id=”1602607850″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Firethorn[/amazon_link] & [amazon_link id=”1616265949″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Trinity[/amazon_link]
by Ronie Kendig
FIRETHORN ~ “Prepare to be energised, impassioned and engaged, heart and mind, by this stellar tale of betrayal, forgiveness, sacrifice and hope.“
TRINITY ~ “Ronie’s attention to technical detail and realism are impressive and she continues to provide the perfect balance of evocative characterisation, explosive action and intense relationships.“
[amazon_link id=”B007MDF8OG” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Dreamspell[/amazon_link], [amazon_link id=”B008R54ZWO” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Unveiling[/amazon_link] & [amazon_link id=”B00APRN7IU” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Yielding[/amazon_link]
by Tamara Leigh
DREAMSPELL ~ “Tamara’s considerable gifts for character development, historical detail and palpable attraction with garner her devoted readers in this genre.“
THE UNVEILING ~ “This story has all you would wish for in a captivating historical tale, adventure, court intrigue, evil villains, sword play, a tenacious heroine, a resolute hero, and an engaging journey towards love.“
THE YIELDING ~ “With incomparable romantic tension, beguiling characters, and an impeccable medieval tone, The Yielding is historical romance at its best.“
[amazon_link id=”1595541691″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The 13th Tribe[/amazon_link]
by Robert Liparulo
THE 13TH TRIBE ~ Stellar imaginative storytelling, complex characters, and a spiritual message to ponder….and terrific action!
[amazon_link id=”B00A18HYEG” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]My Stubborn Heart[/amazon_link]
by Becky Wade
MY STUBBORN HEART ~ “Becky Wade’s debut novel creates a big splash in the contemporary romance pool with entertaining prose, sparkling dialogue, genuine wit and heartfelt emotions.“
[amazon_link id=”0764210424″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Breath of Dawn[/amazon_link]
by Kristen Heitzmann
THE BREATH OF DAWN ~ “I am thrilled Kristen delves deeply into her protagonists’ psyches, that she pens a moving relationship drama rather than a lighthearted romance, and she provides readers with a complete story that is emotive, thought provoking, spiritually intelligent, and engaging in every aspect.“
[amazon_link id=”0800720415″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Love’s Reckoning[/amazon_link]
by Laura Frantz
LOVE’S RECKONING ~ “Laura crafts characters of immense depth and imbues them with all manner of unique qualities, both appealing and irksome, each one vividly drawn. and unforgettable.“
[amazon_link id=”B00A18EDHW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Next Target[/amazon_link]
by Nikki Arana
THE NEXT TARGET ~ “Bringing her [Nikki Arana] personal passion of reaching Muslims for Christ to the pages, The Next Target is a powerful story of sacrifice, compassion and forgiveness.”
[amazon_link id=”0310291062″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]To Whisper Her Name[/amazon_link]
by Tamera Alexander
TO WHISPER HER NAME ~ “An exquisitely rendered tale of heartache, overwhelming loss, dangerous secrets and blossoming love that held me spellbound for each of the almost 500 pages.“
[amazon_link id=”140168680X” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Garden of Madness[/amazon_link]
by Tracy Higley
GARDEN OF MADNESS ~ “Ancient history, palace intrigue, life threatening faith and a dangerous attraction combine to make Tracy Higley’s Garden of Madness an enthralling and powerful read.“
[amazon_link id=”1936034697″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Cuts Like A Knife[/amazon_link]
by M K Gilroy
CUTS LIKE A KNIFE ~ “Gritty and terse, the action and suspense builds well, dovetailing nicely with Kristen’s relationship issues with her devoted mother, her disapproving sisters and the men who dare to seek her out.“
And because I couldn’t separate my brilliant DEBUTANTES, a special mention for each of them!
[amazon_link id=”0764209825″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Submerged[/amazon_link] by Dani Pettrey
[amazon_link id=”0307730387″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Wildflowers from Winter[/amazon_link] by Katie Ganshert
[amazon_link id=”1451659865″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Wish You Were Here[/amazon_link] by Beth Vogt
[amazon_link id=”B00A189ZES” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Pursuit of Lucy Banning[/amazon_link] by Olivia Newport
SUBMERGED ~ “Wonderfully executed, with intriguing suspense, deeply layered characters, and a beautiful setting, this novel will draw you in from beginning to end.“
WILDFLOWERS FROM WINTER ~ “Katie plumbs the depths of human grief, childhood desertion, family dysfunction, religious bullying and sacrificial friendship through Bethany’s journey, uprooting pain and unforgiveness to release joy and healing.“
WISH YOU WERE HERE ~ “Beth K Vogt’s debut novel will tickle your funny bone just as easily as it will thrum your emotions as Allison Denman takes an uncomfortable journey to discover what truly matters in her life and faith. Beth’s voice is nothing short of delightful, and I am already highly anticipating her next story.“
THE PURSUIT OF LUCY BANNING ~ “The Pursuit of Lucy Banning showcases Olivia as an up and coming talent in this historical market, sure to be loved by fans of this every popular genre.“
And a final “must read” that doesn’t fit into my fiction list!
[amazon_link id=”0985480904″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Love at the Speed of Email[/amazon_link]
by Lisa McKay
LOVE AT THE SPEED OF EMAIL ~ “Self deprecating humour, penetrating observations and authentic self disclosure make Love at the Speed of Email a brilliantly moving and challenging story; both funny and sad; reflecting Lisa’s deeply compassionate heart and wicked sense of humour.“
Wow, Rel…you’ve been a busy lady this year!! 🙂 Loved all the debutantes books, too, and so so happy to see Laura’s and Becky’s books on your list. I can’t wait to read what’s coming next from both of them!
Christy » I’m with you on follow up books, Christy 🙂 Makes me smile!
Fabulous list, Rel! Thank you for the honor of being on it–twice! *grins*
I’ve read some of these other titles, and have actually been curious about the others, but too chicken (ahem) to attempt them for a variety of reasons. I hope to give some of them a shot soon. LOL
Ronie » I can’t imagine my Top 10 list without your books on it, Ronie! You are a supreme talent, my friend, and I just adore your writing and characters. Keep up the fabulous writing xo
What a wonderful list, Rel! Congratulations to all the authors you’ve mentioned. As a reader, I’m committed to getting my hands on the books you’ve named that I haven’t yet read. And I’m so pleased to see some of my friends here — Dani Pettrey, Katie Ganshert, Tamera Alexander. Ronie – I live in Dallas and I believe you used to live nearby?
Thank you for including My Stubborn Heart, Rel. I’m delighted and honored. Truly! Yipppeeeeee!
Now, I’m off to drink another cup of tea. My family is on a ski vacation and I find myself relentlessly cold. 🙂
Warmly, Becky
Becky Wade » Well, I better not tell you about the perfect beach weather we have today in Oz – LOL! I can’t wait to read your follow up novel in 2013. Thanks for commenting here – love it!
Becky! Yes, I lived in McKinney for a number of years, but had lived in the metroplex since 1991! Too bad we didn’t get to connect before I moved to the east coast.
I wish we had connected, Ronie! Drat.
Love your format, Rel. That’s first. Second, great list. Sadly, I didn’t even get to all these. :/ Got mine going up tomorrow – some of which are the same.
Rissi » Looking forward to your list, Rissi ~ it’s so much fun to read what my lovely blogging friends have chosen 🙂
Some of these books are at the top of my To Be Read pile — so they will have my attention early in 2013! And being part of the Debs was a special joy for me as a debut author! Thanks, Rel, for including Wish You Were Here on your 2012 list!
Beth K. Vogt » It’s a pleasure, Beth ~ it was (and is!) a privilege to have been part of the DEBS this year – what a blessing. 2013 is going to be another great year for you ~ readers are going to LOVE Catch A Falling Star!
Ronie Kendig’s books and Submerged were some of my favorite reads this year too! Such amazing books!
Abbi Hart » We obviously love many of the same books, Abbi 🙂
🙂
Abbi–You made my day!! THANK YOU!!
Ronie-Thank you for writing such awesome books! I can’t wait for Talon!!!
Wonderful list, Rel – the post is beautiful! And yes, it is your own blog and your own post, and I think it’s fun that you took creative license with your numbering/counting! 😉
I’ve read half of the books you listed – there are some great ones there! And I have Dreamspell and The Unveiling on my Kindle that I picked up when they were freebies; they look awesome! 🙂
~Amber
Thanks Amber ~ appreciate your confirmation of my creative license!! Love to hear what you think of Tamra’s books ~ they are fabulous and perfect reading over your break!
Ack! How could I have forgotten the amazing debut novel, INTO THE FREE by the fabulous Julie Cantrell?! So sorry, Julie ~ yours should well and truly be in my Top 10~
Thanks, Rel! That means everything to me! I’m just so honored you chose to give my debut novel a shot and share it with your bookclub and blog followers. I enjoyed your interviews and loved knowing this little Mississippi story was being read on the other side of the world. I appreciate all you do for writers and readers, and wish you a fabulous 2013! Cheers, julie
Julie Cantrell » Your book was fantastic, Julie – I can’t wait to see where you take the sequel. Big hugs to you xo I appreciate your encouraging words a lot!
Rel! Happy new year!
Right now as I’m writing, I understand that 2013 has already begun in Australia? (This ALWAYS fascinates me. I soo want to visit Australia just to see the beauty of the land and to witness your very different time zones and seasons…is it really summer right now for you?!.)
*Grin* okay, I’ll stop. Back to the list.
I have read a couple of those books. Including Vogt’s, Pettrey’s and Wade’s. I’m so thrilled for them because of the acclamation their books have received. Definitely 3 of 2012’s best.
Dreamspell, Wildflowers from Winter and To Whisper Her Name are on my TBR pile.
Thank you for sharing Rel! God’s blessings for you and yours in 2013. 🙂
And Congrats to the authors! Best wishes for the upcoming year. So excited to read new Christian Fiction books in 2013. 🙂
Ganise » Yep, it’s summer and it’s hot today!! It’s now after 3pm on NYD for me 🙂 You will love those ones in your TBR – hope you do, anyway! Hope you get to Oz one day soon xo
Rel,
So honored to be included on this list with my lovely Debs. Thank you so much for sharing this year with us. It has truly been a pleasure and an honor. LOVE seeing Ronie and Becky’s books on the list. Such talented ladies! A wonderful beach day sounds pretty amazing right now—I’m with Becky, getting ready to grab another warm cup of tea. Blessings dear lady!
Dani Pettrey » Thanks for your sweet comments, Dani. What a year it has been for all of us! Enjoy your cuppa and have a lovely New Year xo xo
I am tickled to make your “honorable mentions” :)So, so, SO many fabulous books this year. Happy new year!
Sarah Sundin » You are a sweetie – really wanted to put Mellie in the list, Sarah! Hope you’ve had a great night xo
Rel, Once again you’ve put a lot of time and thought into this and I’m so honored to have a place here. WOW! You continue to bless me with your words (love your commentary beneath each book) and your dedication to fine fiction. I pray I can keep writing books that make you ponder. God bless you for who you are and all you do!
Laura Frantz » Thanks for YOUR lovely words, Laura – your books are always a blessing. You are right about the time and thought – I agonise over my list way too much, I think!!
Awesome list! I need to get mine posted!
Michelle Sutton » I look forward to reading it, Michelle 🙂
Posted!
Great list Rel! I need to post my honorable mentions. It is so hard! Especially with such great talented writers! Happy New Year!
Andi » Yep, it’s always hard, isn’t it – sigh! Hope you have a great NYE and day xo
Thanks for including the Debs, Rel! Becky’s was definitely one of my all-time faves this year. I can’t believe how many on your list that I haven’t read yet! I need to get reading!!
Katie Ganshert » Love the DEBS, Katie, as you know! So enjoying reading your second novels 🙂 Hugs xo
Well, I haven’t read a single one of those books. I think I might have a couple on my e-reader though. It’s always good to see what other people are enjoying. 🙂
Amanda Deed » You must read some of these, Amanda! I think you would love Laura’s book particularly, given you a writer of historical romance yourself!
Some books on this list that I loved and others I really want to read! Thanks for putting together your favorites, Rel!
Joanne Bischof » Hi Jo ~ always lovely to have you drop by! Your book got a mention in the comments 🙂
Hi, Rel! Thank you for including me among such talented authors. I’m honored. You’ve always been so supportive; I truly appreciate you. Hope we get a chance to meet face to face one of these days. Happy New Year!
Robert Liparulo » Hey Bob ~ so appreciate you taking the time to drop by and for your kind words. Come on down to Oz – anytime – and bring the family 🙂
Hey there, Rel! Thank you bunches for including my medieval romances in your list. I am so very honored and appreciative of your support all these years. Happy New Years (yes, I’m a little late there in Aussie land) 🙂
Tamara Leigh » I love your medievals, Tammy, as you know and they can hold their head up high in my list – LOL! NYD here and I’m relaxing in front of Ice Age 4 with two of my girls 🙂 Hope you have a great NYE!
Glad to see Tamara Leigh’s historicals in here and that Medievals are gaining ground (yes, I wrote one I’m hoping will get picked up by the CBA pubs).
I’d also suggest BE STILL MY SOUL by Joanne Bischof for a debut novel–I really enjoyed that one this year.
Heather Day Gilbert » I agree, Heather ~ Joanne’s debut novel was an excellent start to her career and I’m looking forward to where she takes Gideon, in particular! I hope to see your name in print soon 🙂
Happy New Year. I don’t know why I’m so late to the party given we’re in the same hemisphere. Thanks so much for featuring Love At The Speed Of Email. What a year it’s been and I’m thrilled to see that book out there and so touched to know you loved it. Hope you’ve had a wonderful Christmas. We might see you on home soil soon, you never know. More soon. Lisa
Lisa McKay » So appreciate you visiting, Lis – I know life is busy! I hope everyone reads your books 🙂 Hugs xo
Ice Age 4! Goodness, I so miss watching fun and uplifting movies with my boys. Unfortunately, 19 and 15 year olds wince at the suggestion that we pop in one of our Pixar movies (Toy Story!). Sigh. But it was a lovely time of our lives 🙂
Dreamspell made it on my list too! There are books on your list that I plan to read in 2013.
Laura Fabiani » Hello Laura! Great to have you visit – I’ll be rereading Dreamspell this year, I’m sure of it! I’m going to drop by and check out your list!
Great, great list! All the books that you posted that I’ve read I totally agree with! I ran out of room but Ronie’s Firethorn was definitely a fave! I have Trinity to read yet but I’m sure it will be a 5 star book too! Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!
xoxo,
Renee C.
Renee C. » Loved your list, Renee – there’s never enough room for all our favs, is there?! Thanks for dropping by – here’s to a fun 2013 talking about the wonderful world of books!
Yikes! The only one I’ve read on your list is My Stubborn Heart, although I will confess a bunch of your other choices are clamboring for my attention from the infamous TBR pile. 😉
I’ve compiled a baker’s dozen of my tops in 2012…including Olivia Newport’s other 2012 release, Accidentally Amish. My whole list is here: http://mybucklingbookshelf.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-bakers-dozen-of-sorts-my-top-picks.html
Blessings to you and yours in 2013, my friend. *hugs*
Jenny » The ones on my list won’t disappoint, my friend!! Popping over to check yours out now xo xo
Fabulous list Rel! I just added a few of these books to my TBR pile. I can always trust your favourites to point me in the right reading direction 🙂 Happy New Year to you and your family!
Oh, my!! I am so honored to be included in your list. Being among such incredibly talented authors is truly humbling. Abundant blessings on you and all you do this coming year.
Nikki Arana » Thanks Nikki ~ your book was very special. Appreciate you taking the time to share.
What an awesome list! I’m completely honored to have my medical drama, Trauma Plan, mentioned among your recommended reads. Please know how much we appreciate your commitment to both readers and authors. Here’s to another stellar year, Rel!
Candace Calvert » Your words are so encouraging, Candy – thank you xo
I never saw the “Speed of Mail” what an interesting title.
Ah, you did cheat a little, but with good reason. 😉 A great many good books in 2012 and 2013 looks good as so many others!!
What a wonderful list of reads, Mel! So many great books, never enough reading hours! Thank you so much for listing “Promise Me This” as one you enjoyed this year. Looking forward with you to another wonderful year of reading and writing. God’s blessings for you!
Cathy Gohlke » Your book was a gem, Cathy! Thank you so much for dropping by ~ appreciate it.
Really great list. I chose Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T Bergren for one of my Top 12 of 2012
http://jojosutiscorner.wordpress.com/2013/01/01/top-12-of-2012/
The Tamara Leigh books look interesting….will def have to check me out.
Happy Reading
Jojo » Hey Jojo – It was hard for me to leave Lisa’s book out, that’s for sure. Do check out Tamara’s books – they are fabulous, even for someone who isn’t a huge fan of historical fiction!! Yep, I read your list 🙂
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been conducting
a little research on this. And he in fact ordered
me lunch due to the fact that I found it for him… lol.
So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this subject here on your site.