Necee and I decided to collaborate on today’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, selecting five books each that we are looking forward to in the first half of 2020. Mind you, I’m pretty sure we agree wholeheartedly with eachother’s list, so there may have been some arm-wrestling going on over who got to choose which book!! First up is Necee’s top five, then mine. What do you think of our selections?
Necee’s Top 5
It has been a whirlwind of a new year. But I do have some top reads I am looking forward to this year. Two of them are being released today…
The Way of The Brave by Susan May Warren promises to have much adventure and great characters.
Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason I am really looking forward to this new storyline. It promises to hold intrigue and it’s the beginning of a new series.
Stay With Me by Becky Wade I mean it’s Becky Wade so it has to be good and filled with swoony characters. Sigh 🙂
King’s Falling by Ronie Kendig promises to hold intrigue action and adventure with a continuation of spy/special ops intrigue.
A Girl’s Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate. After visiting Australia I am really looking forward to this story!
Seriously these are the first five that came up for me but there’s so many authors I can’t wait to read more of, so if you’re not on this list just wait I’m sure you will pop up in future posts 🙂 Tamara Leigh is continuing The Wulfrith story, Kara Isaac has whisperings of a new novel, Christy Barritt and Angela Ruth Strong have some great cozy mysteries coming. So many great books!
Rel’s Top 5
Like Necee said, this is a tough ask, limiting ourselves to only five when there are so many exciting books on the horizon, but here we go…
If For Any Reason by Courtney Walsh. As my go to contemporary romance writer, I can’t wait for this story which I know will be both romantic, oozing with substance and encouragement. Courtney doesn’t know how to write any other way!
The Winter Companion by Mimi Matthews. I have an advance reader copy of this beauty on my Kindle right now and can’t wait to dive in. I have no doubt I will love the final Parish Orphans of Devon – Neville’s story – as much as the rest.
Like Flames in the Night by Conni Cossette. How I love Conni’s Biblical fiction that immerses the reader into ancient times and mores, bringing light and shade to the stories of old. Always captivating!
Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green. If you love history, you’ll love any one of Jocelyn’s epic novels which bring the time and place alive through gorgeous prose and historical accuracy. Excited for a new series from Jocelyn after a number of excellent standalones.
Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese. Gah! I cannot wait for this story. It’s been too long since I’ve had a Nicole Deese literary fix. This story of her heart – international adoption – will hit me in all the feels, I have no doubt!
Well, that’s my list – and I could have chosen so many others, but as Necee says, I’m sure you will see plenty more highly anticipated stories here on the blog in the coming weeks and months.
What books are you anticipating most in the first half of 2020?
January 8, 2020 at 12:52 pm
What a fun list. Enjoy.
My TTT .
January 9, 2020 at 11:13 am
Oh what a fun list Lydia! So many great reads to come this year. Thanks for stopping by!
January 8, 2020 at 3:12 pm
Since I don’t have a blog, I’ll mention my highly anticipated books here. (I really should make myself a blog – have considered the idea for years).
At least half of the books on your list are also on my highly-anticipated TBR list. I also really look forwards to Cry of the Raven by Morgan Busse, An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz and The Solid Grounds Coffee Company by Carla Laureano.
January 9, 2020 at 11:15 am
Makes total sense to me, Bee! That’s part of why I joined up with Rel! Solid Grounds was on my list, but Rel made me choose. It was so hard to only pick 5, but fun, too. I’m looking forward to all the books you listed.
January 8, 2020 at 10:11 pm
Both great lists! I have one must read from Necee’s list (Becky Wade) and two from yours (Jocelyn Green and Connilyn Cossette).
I just finished An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz which was spectacular. I would add to the list The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli.
January 9, 2020 at 11:17 am
Staci, it looks like you have great taste, too! I’m really looking forward to the books you listed. Laura Franz is definitely at the top of my TBR. So many great releases this year.
January 9, 2020 at 2:10 am
Hi Ladies!
I love all your selections! Many I’m hoping to read too. I am waiting on pins and needles for Ronie’s new books, both King’s Falling and her next book in the Brand of Light series. I’m also hating that June is so far away because that’s when Susan May Warren’s next book comes out.
Thanks for all your recommendations!
I hope you both have a fantastic new year of reading!
January 9, 2020 at 11:18 am
Thanks so much for stopping by Marilyn. I’m with you on both of Ronie’s books. SMW is great too & it WILL be hard to wait! Happy reading!
January 9, 2020 at 2:20 am
Happy New Rel and Necee! I also am anxiously awaiting the release of several from your lists. In the meantime, I have a question for both of you . . . . What were some surprise hits for you from 2019? What book(s) surprised you with their insights, twists, turns, depth of character, depth of story, and “ah-ha” moments. I’m in a “donut hole” right now with what to read and would appreciate some suggestions. My general “go to” genres are historical and contemporary romance and I like some mystery stories from time to time- and I like time travel. I’ll take suggestions from anybody! Happy New Year all!
January 9, 2020 at 11:29 am
Hi Pam,
I have to say Dorothy Adamek Carry Me Home and Carry Me Away surprised me the most. I think as you are sharing, we can find ourselves In reading slumps and that is a great time to try new genres or authors. I’m challenging myself to read more historical and books by male authors this year. Another honest surprise for me was Ronie Kendig’s Brand of Light as I wasn’t sure I’d like the story…I mainly trusted the author. Needless to say she blew me away. It was my top read of the year! So, I may need to read more sci-fi (I mainly watch sci-fi versus reading it. Also, I’m finding I love time slip novels. I read Tamara Leigh’s a year or two ago. This year I loved Sarah Monzon and Liz Johnson’s newer series. Blessings and hope you have an amazing new year of reading : )
January 9, 2020 at 2:55 am
I can speak to one on each list. A Girl’s Guide to the Outback and Before I Called You Mine are both FABULOUS! I thoroughly enjoyed Jessica’s, and as for Nicole’s…well, a book hadn’t made me FEEL that much in a long time. Thanks for adding a few more to my TBR!
January 9, 2020 at 11:32 am
Bethany, thanks for the awesome recommendations! I’m really looking forward to Jessica’s, especially after such an amazing trip there. Nicole’s is sure to be good, too. Your newest is on the top of my list, too! Happy Reading!
January 9, 2020 at 8:41 am
Yes to all 10 of these! Great choices! There are probably at least 20-30 more I’m looking forward to, also! It’s looking to be another great year for reading!
January 9, 2020 at 11:33 am
Winnie, it really will be a great year of reading. I have so many more I want to read and new authors I hope to try this year. Happy Reading!
January 11, 2020 at 9:17 am
These are all new to me, so thank you for sharing them! Happy Reading!
My TTT