Looking Back ... The Best of 2012

I know, I know. You're probably thinking, "Everyone has already made their 'best of' list. It's about time!" Well ... I'm moving at my own pace and it is my blog after all, so I figure I can post it whenever I decide to, right?! And I can also choose however many books to post on the list, so my Best of 2012 will top off at 15 books. (It was SO hard to even limit the list to 15!!!) And they are all A.MAZ.ING! If you haven't read them yet, you need to!

The Best of 2012

(in no particular order)

A Change of Fortune

by Jen Turano

A Change of Fortune was just incredible! I found myself loathe to stop reading—even while desperately needing to go to sleep. And then when the book was almost over, I couldn't help but read as fast as I could yet wanting it to never end! Definitely the mark of a good book!

Against the Tide

by Elizabeth Camden

I literally read the entire book in 6 hours. It was just that good! Elizabeth Camden has an amazing talent for writing stories and characters that come to life. At times I felt like I was part of the story.

A Love Surrendered

by Julie Lessman

It's not often that I catapult an author to "favorite author" status after reading only one of his/her books, but Julie Lessman is definitely a new favorite! And the romance! [sigh] This is one romantic story. While it's definitely not an edgy book, the romance is ratcheted up a few notches to really show the passion and romance in all of the relationships.

Love's Reckoning

by Laura Frantz

Love's Reckoning is so much more than a romance novel. Instead, it is an epic drama rife with sibling rivalry, troubled family relationships, secrets, betrayal, love, and faith. Frantz's descriptive writing style drew me into the story in a way that at times made it feel more like watching a movie than reading a book. The characters, settings, and conflicts really came alive.

Glamorous Illusions

by Lisa T. Bergren

 I absolutely devoured this book. The Christian element is strong—in that Cora is constantly being brought around to remember that God is teaching her through this—without being preachy. The only bad thing I can think to say is that the book is over and I have to wait until next spring for the next in the series!

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen is a new-to-me author, and I’m so glad I took a chance on her with The Maid of Fairbourne Hall! Klassen writes with great detail—her research process must be intense!—and does a beautiful job of making the setting, characters, and story truly come alive. I loved learning about the life of servants during this period and their relationship with the family. The story was intriguing as well, with enough questions and unknown elements to keep me curious as to the next turn the story would take.

Promise Me This

by Cathy Gohlke

Cathy managed to tell the story of three individuals in a way that made it seem that they had been connected forever (and in some ways, I guess they were). The writing was incredible—powerful and descriptive and beautiful. Promise Me This is a beautiful story of loss, family, and God's faithfulness through tragedy.

The Reunion

by Dan Walsh

The Reunion was a powerful tribute to our Vietnam veterans. Walsh did a wonderful job creating characters that pulled me into the story and wrapped me up in the drama. At one point (very late in the night, I might add!), I had to stop reading to go in search of tissues as I was doing a full-on ugly cry, complete with hiccuping sobs. Let me just say it's been a long time since a book has affected me so deeply. This is a must-read!

My Stubborn Heart

by Becky Wade

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade reads like some of my favorite romantic comedy movies. You know the ones I'm talking about—the ones starring Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, and Sandra Bullock—the ones you own and still watch every time they come on TV. This story features ordinary people with real problems in realistic situations and brings readers alongside the characters to struggle through every emotion and situation that comes up.

Wish You Were Here

by Beth K. Vogt

I'm a huge fan of romance stories, but this was so much more! It provided a perfect blend of romance and humor and I found myself actually getting giddy at times. The romance was just so . . . beautiful! Don't think this is just a sweet, sappy romance, though. Tough issues were addressed, and I loved the way Allison was forced to come to terms with the past—gotta love a persistent best friend! Christian themes were woven into the story without being preachy and made me really think.

Cottage by the Sea

by Robin Jones Gunn

 Cottage by the Sea is a poignant story about relationships, forgiveness, and redemption. I loved how Robin explored the special relationships between mothers and daughters and fathers and daughters. At times I could see glimpses of my relationship with my own parents through the story. While this was one of the more emotional books by Gunn that I've read, she didn't leave me "down" for long. Instead, I ended the book full of hope and satisfied by a beautiful story.

The Breath of Dawn

by Kristen Heitzmann

Breath of Dawn was dynamite from beginning to end!!! Heitzmann has a talent for writing stories that draw me in and grab on and this was no exception. Heitzmann isn't afraid to put her characters through the wringer and Morgan and Quinn certainly face some challenges. The romance is just perfect—giddy comes to mind. :) And of course there's a great element of suspense.

The Preacher's Bride

by Jody Hedlund

As far as debut novels go, this is one of the best I've read. The story is gripping from the very start and Jody does a fantastic job introducing characters (there are quite a few), explaining the political and religious affairs of the day, and describing the town of Bedford in such a way that you feel like you're walking through the community with a personal tour guide. The dialog was incredibly well-done as well . . . with a few "methinks" and "mayhaps" and "perchances" thrown so you don't forget that you're in England in the mid-1600s.

Unending Devotion

by Jody Hedlund

Jody does an amazing job of basing her novels on snippets of stories from ages gone by and developing them into a full-fledged story that captivates readers. Unending Devotion is a story from the past that brings much-needed attention to the issue of slavery, which still continues today. The combination of a "meaty" story with great romance and suspense is perfect and just what this reader loves most!

Proof

by Jordyn Redwood

Jordyn Redwood's debut novel Proof blew me away! I was impressed with how tight the writing was. She created an extremely intricate plot with tons of twists and surprises and kept me guessing as to the outcome and the logic behind it until the last few pages.

Looking Back ... Most Anticipated Books of 2012

Last year, I shared my Top 10 Most Anticipated Books of 2012. So ... did I read them? What did I think? Let's take a quick look back at that list! (Click on the title to see my complete review, if available.)

Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert

5 stars

I'm loving all this medical suspense that's out right now. Trauma Plan is the first in a new series by Candace, and I enjoyed it just as much as I was hoping to!

Paris in the Rain The Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck

4 stars

While The Scent of Rain was a little different than expected and not quite as tight and clean as I normally like, it was still a great read. Perfect for a lazy, summer day at the pool or whenever really!

Beyond Hope's Valley by Tricia Goyer

4 stars

I could hardly wait for the conclusion of this series. I just needed to know how it was going to end! To me, it was the perfect ending, although I'd love to sit down with Tricia and pick her brain about how she came to that conclusion and how certain things would play out in real life in Amish communities. Lucky for me (and you!), she's just signed on to write the story of the actual couple who inspired the series!

Loving by Karen Kingsbury

3 stars

After 23 books in these series, I was ready to close it out and say farewell to these characters. I was so, so excited about Loving and read it within 24 hours of receiving it. It was a bit repetitive—going back and revisiting old issues—and I got annoyed with Bailey a time or two, but overall it was good. Lots of controversy over this one (I think the whole reading community was divided on how the book should have concluded), but I was pleased. Still a huge fan of Karen's work and looking forward to more.

Lethal Legacy by Irene Hannon

5 stars

I'm not sure it's possible to not like an Irene Hannon romantic suspense novel. Lethal Legacy was just superb. Super romantic and action-packed. Plus, Irene did a wonderful job of making faith a predominant theme throughout.

Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury

5 stars

Now, Coming Home definitely did NOT disappoint! I was so impressed with this entire book. It was the perfect blend of reminiscing (and re-capping to help jog my memory about previous story lines) and moving the current story forward. Typical of Kingsbury, it was full of raw emotion that had me alternately laughing and crying.

Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

5 stars

Sweeter than Birdsong may be the one book on this list that was even better than I anticipated, if that's possible. I loved the characters. The story was absolutely beautiful. And it made me think. A lot. (Check out the Review in Haiku that I posted in response.)

The Chase by DiAnn Mills

3 stars

The Chase was a good read, but not great. I'm hoping that future books in the series will begin to fill in the gaps. Perhaps this first book in the series was helping to set the story up. :)

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden

Did Not Read (Yet)

Okay. So, I started this book at the while working out at the gym months ago. I think I put it down because I was frustrated with the gym, not the book itself. (I no longer read at the gym, by the way!) So, this is high on my list of books to read this year! I love Elizabeth Camden!

Travelers Rest by Ann Tatlock

Did Not Read (Yet)

 I have a copy of Travelers Rest but have not read it yet. No idea why I never picked it up, but I hope to read it this year!

What about you? Did the books you looked forward to reading last year live up to your expectations? Any surprises? Good or bad?

Looking Back ... Debut Authors to Watch

Every year there are tons of great books that come out. And it seems that there are an ever-growing number of debut authors as well! Here's my list of debut authors from 2012 that I'm going to be sure to keep an eye on. I've included a link to the author's website (click the author's name), a link to my full review (click the title), and the blurb from their debut novel. If you haven't already read them, you should definitely check them out!

In no particular order ...

2012's Debut Authors to Watch

Beth K. Vogt, author of Wish You Were Here
Kissing the wrong guy days before her scheduled wedding leads Allison to become a runaway bride. But can it also lead to happily ever after?

Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom.

Still, kissing the groom’s brother, Daniel, in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake? It seems Allison’s life is nothing but mistakes at this point. Daniel’s adventures—chronicled through a collection of postcards—have always appealed to Allison’s well-hidden desire for something more. But how can betraying her fiancé’s trust lead to a true happily ever after?

Can Allison find her way out of this mess? Recognizing she doesn’t have all the answers won’t be easy because she’s used to being in control. To find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her—one outside her carefully defined comfort zone—and find the strength to let Him lead.

Watch for Catch a Falling Star in May 2013 (Howard Books).

Jocelyn Green, author of Wedded to War
When war erupted, she gave up a life of privilege for a life of significance.

Tending to the army's sick and wounded meant leading a life her mother does not understand and giving up a handsome and approved suitor. Yet Charlotte chooses a life of service over privilege, just as her childhood friend had done when he became a military doctor. She soon discovers that she's combatting more than just the rebellion by becoming a nurse. Will the two men who love her simply stand by and watch as she fights her own battles? Or will their desire for her wage war on her desire to serve God?

Wedded to War is a work of fiction, but the story is inspired by the true life of Civil War nurse Georgeanna Woolsey. Woolsey's letters and journals, written over 150 years ago, offer a thorough look of what pioneering nurses endured. This is the first in the series "Heroines Behind the Lines: Civil War," a collection of novels that highlights the crucial contributions made by women during times of war.

Watch for Jocelyn's next fiction release, Widow of Gettysburg, in May 2013 (River North).

Darrel Nelson, author of The Anniversary Waltz
It’s the summer of 1946, and Adam Carlson has just returned from the war to his home in Reunion, Montana. Despite the strained relationship with his father, Adam sets out to revive the dilapidated family farm, neglected since his departure overseas four years ago. After some convincing to take a rest from his labors, he attends the town festival, where he meets Elizabeth Baxter, a young woman going steady with his former high school rival and now influential banker, Nathan Roberts.

Watch for The Return of Cassandra Todd, which releases in February 2013 (Charisma Media).

Olivia Newport, author of The Pursuit of Lucy Banning
She has a secret to keep. But will she give her heart away?

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago's rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work and squeeze herself into the mold of the well-dressed wife who spends most of her time and money redecorating.

When she meets Will, an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World's Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family's expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?

Get swept away into the lavish world of Chicago's high society as Olivia Newport brings to life an age of glitz and grandeur, stark social contrasts, and one woman who dares to cross class lines for what she believes.

Watch for The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow in January 2013 (Revell) and the last book in the series this fall. You may also want to check out her other series published in 2012 and 2013 (Barbour Books).

Krista McGee, author of The First Date
The last thing Addy Davidson wants is to be on a reality TV show where the prize is a prom date with the President’s son.

She’s focused on her schoolwork so she can get a scholarship to an Ivy League college, uncomfortable in the spotlight, never been on a date, and didn’t even audition for it.

But she got selected anyway.

So she does her best to get eliminated on the very first show. Right before she realizes that the President’s son is possibly the most attractive guy she has ever seen in person, surprisingly nice, and seemingly unimpressed by the 99 other girls who are throwing themselves at him.

Addy’s totally out of her comfort zone but that may be right where God can show her all that she was meant to be.

Watch for Krista's new book Anomaly, which will be available in July 2013 (Thomas Nelson). You may also enjoy her other books, Starring Me and Right Where I Belong, released in 2012.

Jen Turano, author of A Change of Fortune
Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.

Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.

Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.

When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.

Watch for A Most Peculiar Circumstance in June 2013 (Bethany House).

Becky Wade, author of My Stubborn Heart
Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can't help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can't quite put her finger on. He's clearly wounded—hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.

When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

Watch for Becky's next book, Undeniably Yours, in May 2013 (Bethany House).

Keli Gwyn, author of A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California
An ever-resourceful widow, Elenora Watkins arrives in El Dorado ready to go into partnership with Miles Rutledge. When he refuses, Elenora becomes the competition across the street. Is this town big enough for the two of them? Miles can’t help but stick his well-polished boot in his mouth whenever he comes face-to-face with Elenora. Can he find a way to win her heart while destroying her business? Miles’s mother, Maude, is bent on Elenora becoming her new daughter-in-law while Elenora’s daughter, Tildy, thinks Miles would make a perfect papa. How far will these meddlers go to unite this enterprising pair?  

No details yet on the Keli's next book, but I'm looking forward to it!

Jordyn Redwood, author of Proof 
Dr. Lilly Reeves is a young, accomplished ER physician with her whole life ahead of her. But that life instantly changes when she becomes the fifth victim of a serial rapist. Believing it's the only way to recover her reputation and secure peace for herself, Lilly sets out to find--and punish--her assailant. Sporting a mysterious tattoo and unusually colored eyes, the rapist should be easy to identify. He even leaves what police would consider solid evidence. But when Lilly believes she has found him, DNA testing clears him as a suspect. How can she prove he is guilty, if science says he is not?

Watch for the next book in the series, Poison, which will be released in February 2013 (Kregel Publications).

Kellie Coates Gilbert, author of Mother of Pearl
Barrie Graeber has two great kids, a loving husband, and a respected job as the high school counselor in her close-knit community. Without warning, everything unravels when her teenage daughter, Pearl, is betrayed by friends and lashes out.

Nothing prepares this mother for the helplessness that follows when her attempts to steer her daughter back on course fail and Pearl shuts her out . . . or when she discovers the unthinkable about her nemesis, the football coach.

Emotionally riveting and profoundly moving, Mother of Pearl brings us into the heart of a mother bound by an incredible burden, who ultimately finds she must recognize her own vulnerability and learn to trust in something much bigger.

I can't find details about Kellie's next book, but I'll be sure to let you know when it comes out!


Note: Some of the authors listed may have other books published previously. I included them if this is the first full-length, Christian novel, for the particular age group.

Looking Back ... Cover Love 2012

As much as I'm ashamed to admit it, I totally judge a book by its cover. I try not to, but I can't help it! A good-looking book cover will cause me to grab it up and start reading. A great story can (and does!) overcome a cover I don't connect with but still. I'm a book cover snob. It only seems fitting then to share my Favorite Covers of 2012. In no particular order . . .

Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love

Ahhh ... the white, the snow, the steeple, that gorgeous dress!

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

This cover is so different than the typical CHF cover. Love the black and red, love that you can't see her face, and the ship in the back is totally intriguing.

The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello

The color alone puts this cover on the list. And the "shadowy" people. Beautiful!

Love Lifted Me by Sara Evans w/ Rachel Hauck

So simple, but the hands make me want to know this family's story.

Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate

This cover is incredibly peaceful. And I love the blue. And the girl/woman. And the bird. And the water.

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

It's Paris! Need I say more?

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport 

The contrast of the beautiful, pink dress and the dirty city in the background. Love it! (Honestly, I'm a sucker for a pretty dress ...)

The Anniversary Waltz by Darrel Nelson

Such a cheery yellow cover! And the couple is in the background, sort of blurry, but you know they're important. Just different and a little mysterious.

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

That dress. Makes me want to get married all over again!

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz

I didn't like this cover at first, but it grew on me and now it's made the top 10. Not sure what pushed it over the edge (maybe it's a reversal and the story made me love the cover more?) but I love it. Epic cover for an epic story.

There you have it ... my top 10. Are you a book cover snob (like me)? Do you judge a book by its cover? What were some of your favorites of 2012?

Looking Back ... 2012 Challenges

At the beginning of last year I joined 10 challenges. I thought it was a crazy number at the time (but not so crazy compared to this year!), but took the plunge and had a great time keeping up with the books I read. Here's a quick recap if you're interested. Click on the links to see a complete listing of books that I read to fulfill the challenges.

2012 Reading Challenge

Brooke (i blog 4 books) has read 54 books toward a goal of 113 books.

hide

54 of 113 (47%)

view books

2012 Reading Challenge

Hosted by: Goodreads

Goal: 113 books (1 more than I read in 2011)

Read: 132

Status: Completed!

100+ Books Read in a Year Reading Challenge

Hosted by: Book Chick City

Goal: 100+ books

Read: 132 books

Status: Completed!

2012 Ebook Challenge

Hosted by: Workaday Reads

Goal: 25 ebooks

Read: 27

Status: Completed!

New Authors: Exploring New Boundaries

Hosted by: Literary Escapism

Goal: originally 25 new authors, upped to 50 new authors

Read: 59 new-to-me authors!

Status: Completed!

2nds Challenge

Hosted by: A Few More Pages

Goal: originally 12 books, upped to 20 books

Read: 34 books (either the 2nd time to read an author or the 2nd book in the series)

Status: Completed!

Just For Fun Reading Challenge

Hosted by: Escape with Dollycas

Goal: 1 book per month

Read: at least 1 book per month just for fun!

Status: Completed!

Where Are You Reading? Challenge

Hosted by: Book Journey

50 States Challenge

Hosted by: Book Obsessed

Goal: 1 book from each of the 50 United States

Read: books from 32 states and 6 other locations

Status: Did not complete

I stopped keeping up with locations towards the end of the year, so I'm not completely certain where I ended with this. I'm trying to figure out a better way to track this for this year.

2012 Christian Suspense Reading Challenge

Hosted by: Christian Bookshelf Reviews

Goal: 10-15 books

Read: 28 books

Status: Completed!

2012 Christian Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Hosted by: Creative Madness Mama

Goal: 24 books

Read: 54 books

Status: Completed!

Overall, I feel pretty great about my progress in these challenges for 2012! I'll be posting about my 2013 challenges in the next few days. :)