My Top 10 Books of 2017

I can’t believe it’s almost time to say goodbye to 2017. I always look forward to going back over my reading list and recalling the sweet and memorable reads from the year. It was soooo hard to pick just 10 favorites. There were so many great books this year! Tell me again why I put myself through this? 🙂

I had to sing the praises for a few of these just one more time. 😉 Here they are, in no particular order.

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Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano

Don’t you just love discovering new favorite authors? Well, I think I just found another favorite of mine in Joanna Davidson Politano! Within minutes of starting “Lady Jayne Disappears” I knew I was in for an adventure and it took me far beyond my expectations. Friends, this is a beautiful story I highly recommend.

My heart instantly connected with Aurelie and her writing ways. Her compassion and honesty made her a beautiful heroine, inside and out. The secretive house and its complicated residents added great tension to the story. And the romance was so….. romantic. 😉 I loved how one houseguest offered our leading lady his honesty and friendship. He was a light in the shadows of Lynhurst Manor.

Read the rest of my review here…

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Freedom’s Ring  by Heidi Chiavaroli

It only took one sentence for me to be completely captivated by this book. It was one of those stories I just couldn’t put down and stayed up way too late to finish. 🙂 Freedom’s Ring offers a rich tale of courage in the face of danger and hope after great hurt. It’s a beautiful journey for the characters and readers to share together.

The split timeline really added unique layers to the story and I was pleasantly surprised to find both heroines accounts told in first person. Each character was so well-developed and was transformed through their experiences.

Read the rest of my review here…

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Many Sparrows  by Lori Benton

This book, just as every Lori Benton book before it, had me hanging on its every word. This story is meant to be savored, from the first page to the very last. I was immersed into Clare and Jeremiah’s world for the entire breathtaking journey. It’s another one of those stories I’ll carry with me for a very long time.

What stood out to me the most with Many Sparrows was its spiritual theme of trusting God in all things and waiting on His perfect will no matter what. The message of faith is so important to the problems and heartache Clare faces. And the dear woman faces a great deal of it. Watching her struggle and grasp after peace offers a challenge for all readers. A message for all of us to ponder. Simply stunning.

Read the rest of my review here…

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For the Record  by Regina Jennings

If you think reading historical fiction is boring, you’ve not a read a Regina Jennings book! This story was so much fun to read and even surprised me with its mystery and intrigue. The two main characters have so much spunk and sass. They’re unique and never quite do what you expect them to, which creates the perfect page-turner from start to finish.

I loved our lone Texan trying to create a new life for himself and enjoyed his sparks with our independent gal, Betsy. Her aspirations as a writer and defender of her small town endeared me to her even more. They both have their obstacles to work through, but it’s not an easy road for either of them. The plot twists and turns like the Ozark mountain trails they traverse.

Read the rest of my review here…

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The Illusionist’s Apprentice  by Kristy Cambron

This book had my attention with its first line and I didn’t want to put it down. The story opens with such mystery! My mind raced with a thousand questions. 😉 I could not guess where the plot was going and it kept me guessing right up until its finale. The Illusionist’s Apprentice offers so much to readers – intrigue, history, and a great deal of heart.

Wren is known for being an entertainer on the stage, but this girl shined off the stage even more to me. I loved this unique character. Her strength and talents added to her charm, but it was her vulnerability, her honesty, and her faith I’ll remember the most. I loved how she changed and grew through the story too, opening her heart once more. Her journey is understated and yet profound all at the same time.

Read the rest of my review here…

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A Moonbow Night  by Laura Frantz

This story – much like every other one penned by Laura Frantz – captured my heart and imagination. I find myself still dwelling on the characters long after finishing the last page. I miss them. I miss the Kentucky woods. I miss the adventure and the journey I followed along as the reader. It happens to me every time I read Laura’s work. It’s hard to move on from such a touching story.

I can’t imagine having lived during such a tumultuous time, but to see it through Tempe’s and Sion’s eyes was breathtaking. I felt like I was watching a movie, the scenes just moved so smoothly into the next. I loved these two. I loved their hearts, their strength, even the walls they put up to protect themselves from hurt. They’re vulnerable and they’re real.

Read the rest of my review here…

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The Mark of the King  by Jocelyn Green

I hardly know where to begin with reviewing this novel. I was blown away by the storytelling and historical depth to its pages. The hardships that Julianne faces broke my heart for her. She is such an inspiring and resilient heroine, continuing to fight through her trials and sharing that bravery with her fellow characters and the readers.

I couldn’t get over the richness in the details. Every scene was described so well, allowing the reader to feel the waves rocking the ship, or step onto the swamplands of New Orleans, or hear the war cries of the native people. This book will ignite all your senses.

Read the rest of my review here…

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Wings of the Wind  by Connilyn Cossette

This is probably my favorite of the entire Out From Egypt series. While each heroine was unique and inspiring, Alanah’s strength and bravery kept me glued to the page. She’s a survivor and she’s a fighter. Her journey throughout the story builds like a piece of music that sweeps you away. By the end, I was out of breath as she faced incredible danger and lived out her newly-found faith.

Tobiah was equally as gripping and real to me. His story complimented Alanah’s and his strengths matched hers. I loved watching the two of them work through their unique circumstances and how their relationship depicted the beauty of God’s grace.

Read the rest of my review here…

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An Uncommon Protector  by Shelley Shepard Gray

This book delivered everything I hope for in historical fiction. Our wounded hero is admirable and likeable even though he’s a bit rough around the edges and our heroine is strong and lovely and in need of a friend. The unlikely pair finds themselves thrown in the middle of a mystery and threatened by an unknown enemy. This Post-Civil War tale had me glued to the page.

I’ve really enjoyed this entire series. I’ve liked getting to know these ex-Confederate brothers-in-arms and the women they fall in love with. Thomas made friends for life with his fellow-prison mates following the war. Their bond and friendship really blesses the story with a sense of family and healing for these men who’ve suffered a great deal. Watching his friends come to his rescue was endearing and comforting. They’re true friends and each of them added to the story.

Read the rest of my review here…

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I want to thank all the authors and publishers who sent me complimentary copies to read this year. 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 2017 list.
If not, please tell me which great ones I missed. 😉