I read more books in 2015 than I think I ever have in one year. What a fun year of reading! There were a lot of adventures, a lot of tears, and lots of romance. πŸ˜‰ Thank you to ALL the amazing authors who shared their stories with us. Your books have been a joy to me!

Before we step into 2016 I want to give one last shout out to some of my favorites from 2015. Here they are, in no particular order.

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The Curiosity Keeper - My Review  | The Engrafted Word

The Curiosity Keeper Β by Sarah E. Ladd

As soon as I started this book, I knew I’d made a new friend. I settled into the story with a contented sigh and watched the pages fly by way too quickly. I always enjoy Regency books, but this one I won’t easily forget. Needless to say, I’ve discovered a new favorite author.

There were so many strengths to it, honestly, I don’t know where to begin. The various settings and landscapes, of course, were very colorful. They came alive in every scene, almost as if they were supporting characters to the story themselves. The plot was so intriguing – with well-written hints of suspense and mystery surrounding the missing gem. The story just kept building and surprising me along the way.

Read the rest of my review here

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A Sparrow in Terezin - My Review

A Sparrow In Terezin Β  by Kristy Cambron

I’ve been eagerly anticipating this novel ever since I finished the first book in the series. I could hardly imagine a story sweeping my emotions away more than The Butterfly and the Violin. Once again, I was surprised.

A Sparrow in Terezin is one of those books you read slowly, savoring every word. And let me warn you, you will lose all sense of time as you fall immersed into it.

Read the rest of my review here

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The Wood's Edge - My Review

The Wood’s EdgeΒ  by Lori Benton

To say this story was incredible almost seems like an understatement. In fact, it’s hard to find the words at all to review a book that left me in such awe. From the earliest pages, I found myself speechless and glued to the journey unfolding before me. I’ve never read anything quite like this. The Wood’s Edge took storytelling to a whole new level for me. I can’t wait for the rest of this new series.

Readers aren’t just stepping into one character’s journey when they pick this book up. They’re stepping into a much larger world, sown together with remarkable detail and dialogue. There you’ll meet multiple characters and experience the story through their eyes. You’ll sweep over many years and stand witness to great love and great heartache too. The birth of faith in new believers was exceptionally touching. It’s an amazing story, let me tell you.

Read the rest of my review here

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The Mistress of Tall Acre - My Review  | The Engrafted WordThe Mistress of Tall AcreΒ  by Laura Frantz

Yet another beautiful story by Laura Frantz. You would think a wonderful book would be easy to review, but sometimes they prove to be the hardest for me. I find it hard to narrow down what I loved most about this story. How much time do you have? ;)

The Mistress of Tall Acre had everything in it I was hoping for and more. The historical setting was rich and colorful. I felt like I was walking the fields and halls of Tall Acre right alongside the characters. I shared in their surprises, their fears, and their affections for one another. This intriguing romance will sweep many readers off their feet.

Read the rest of my review here

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The Thorn Bearer - My ReviewThe Thorn BearerΒ Β  by Pepper D. Basham

This story quickly caught my eye and touched my heart in ways I had not expected. Its intriguing cover and the historical pull to learn more about the Lusitania drew me to the book in the beginning, but the real pulse of the story is what I will remember the most. It’s a breathtaking story of redemption and healing, a powerful expression of grace and forgiveness. It made me cry and it made me laugh – both more than once.

The characters are very real, very broken, and very relatable. None of them seemed one-dimensional. They each added depth and perspective to the plot as it grew. And I cared for them greatly. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Ashleigh and Sam. From the very start, I loved their friendship, their charming banter, and the way they complimented each other in both their strengths and their weaknesses. It all seemed so natural… and right… and romantic.

Read the rest of my review here

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Not by Sight - My Review  | The Engrafted WordNot By SightΒ  by Kate Breslin

It’s been a long time since a book kept me up late into the night – way past my bedtime – reading as fast as my blurry eyes would allow. ;) I was so lost in this story I hardly noticed the pages – and the minutes – flying by.Β  Not by Sight just kept getting better and better with each passing chapter.

There was everything entertaining in this story – mystery, romance, fascinating history, and strong ties of family and friends. With its striking cover and intricate plot, I had no regrets staying up late. It took me to places I did not see coming and kept me guessing up to the very end.

Read the rest of my review here

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The Sound of Silver - My Review  | The Engrafted WordThe Sound of SilverΒ  by Rachelle Rea

Usually Book 2 of a series features a new hero and heroine, but in the case of The Sound of Silver, readers find themselves still following Gwyn and Dirk. Sometimes I prefer moving on to a new story through fresh eyes, but I was thrilled to find their story was far from over. It picked up right where we left off and took my breath with it.

This was a beautiful and emotional read for me. It brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my heart with its sweet, romantic tale of faith and forgiveness.

Read the rest of my review here

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A Noble Masquerade - My Review  | The Engrafted WordA Noble MasqueradeΒ  by Kristi Ann Hunter

Talk about a fun book! This author had me hooked by the first chapter. I loved the premise of this story – of letter-writing gone wrong. To this day I still enjoy sending letters through the mail, so I could totally relate to Miranda’s desire to pour out her heart on paper.

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book that had me laughing out loud. This one did it on more than one occasion. I was pulled from one chapter into the next without hardly realizing it. The story was romantic, witty and charming all in one breath.

Read the rest of my review here

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To Win Her Favor - My Review  | The Engrafted WordTo Win Her FavorΒ  by Tamera Alexander

First, the beautiful cover grabbed my attention. Then the title, the author, the back blurb. I anticipated a great story and To Win Her Favor did not disappoint. It just kept getting better and better with each passing chapter. As I fell into step with the characters, I quickly fell in love with them too. Throw in horse racing and a marriage of convenience in the post-Civil War, southern setting and I was hooked.

I’ve read multiples stories involving a marriage of convenience before. Some I’ve liked and some I haven’t, honestly. This one was believable, unique, and full of heart, without the cliches. I loved following these two through the ups and downs of marriage. It gave a beautiful depiction of two people growing to love and learning how to live a life as one. The intimacies between husband and wife are there, but written with care and handled beautifully. Their relationship was honest and real and that endeared me to them even more.

Read the rest of my review here

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The Tomb - My ReviewThe TombΒ  by Stephanie Landsem

When I sat down to begin this book, I had no idea I was opening a door to such a beautiful story of faith, love, and freedom in Christ. I was certainly familiar with the Biblical account of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, but this fictional twist on the tale just burst to life on the page before me. I was so blessed by it and I know many readers will be too.

While the story mostly follows Martha, we also get to follow in the steps of many Biblical characters we’re familiar with. As I read, I felt like I was walking alongside them. There were so many unique scenes and emotional moments that touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. The history felt richly researched, without overwhelming or confusing its reader. And the style and choice of words throughout the book – so delicate, yet so powerful – confirmed to me early on that this is an author I will be reading much more of.

Read the rest of my review here

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WAIT! I can’t help it. I couldn’t narrow it down to just 10. πŸ˜‰ This book below refuses to be ignored. This one certainly is on my favorite list of 2015, no doubt….

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The Girl From The Train - My Review  | The Engrafted WordThe Girl From The TrainΒ  by Irma Joubert

Wow. I’ll say it again. Wow. I was not prepared for this book. The premise and the cover intrigued me, but I had no idea the journey I would be taking. I don’t exaggerate when I say it took my breath away. I know you’ve heard the phrase β€œI could hardly put it down”. Well, here it comes again. ;) I read this entire book in 2 days.

Hold on to your seat, friends! This heartfelt coming-of-age story sweeps through several years and settings. The journey is long, but worth it. My heart was instantly charmed by the brave, young Gretl, just like Jakob. Following her through the fields of Poland in 1944 to the orphanage in Germany, then on to South Africa in 1956, proved to be an incredible story. I think it’s impossible to finish this book without feeling like you’ve gained a friend or two. Both Gretl and Jakob were such vivid people on the page.

Read the rest of my review here

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I want to thank all the authors and publishers for sending me these copies to read. I also want to thank YOU for stopping by and reading my reviews. Happy New Year!!

What was one of your favorite reads of the year?
I’d love to know if any of these from above made your top 2015 list.
If not, please tell me which great ones I missed. πŸ˜‰