Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday - 03.03.2015



Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish






Three Years of Favorite Reads
(Christian Fiction)


While it's not hard to pick favorite books, the difficult part is limiting the number. It was so tempting to go with a few more - 15 or even 20 - but where would I stop? So I've chosen these 12 that had beautiful prose, rich characterization, multilayered plots, and a story that touched me in some special way. Links to my review are under each title.

How many of these have you read? Thinking back over the last few years, what are a couple of titles that would be on your list?

My all-time favorite books from the past three years (in no particular order) . . .



Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert



In Broken Places by Michele Phoenix



Lost and Found by Ginny L. Yttrup



Flight of the Earls by Michael K. Reynolds
(whole Heirs of Ireland series is a favorite)



The Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracey Groot



Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke



A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher



For Time and Eternity by Allison Pittman



Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof
(whole Cadence of Grace series is a favorite)



The Air We Breathe by Christa Parrish



The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron




The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz
I wasn't a book reviewer at the time I read this - and I've read several others of Laura's novels since then, all of which I have loved - but my first read will always hold a special place in my heart.

15 comments:

  1. Oh, I had forgotten about "Be Still My Soul" - That whole series was excellent! I can't believe I missed it!

    My Top Ten Tuesday

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    1. Loved your list too, Shannah! I am very eager for Joanne Bischof to write another series, hopefully set in Appalachia also.

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  2. Great list, Carole! I especially loved Allison Pittman's novel. You have 6 need I need to add to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Allison Pittman's novel still haunts my memory, Beckie. Compiling this list was fun and I enjoyed yours as well. I don't tend to explore other genres as much as you, although a few on your list tempt me. You read so many books, and probably a lot faster than me, that I can't imagine what you haven't read from my list! Thanks so much for leaving me a note, Beckie.

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  3. Thank you for highlighting MOTHER OF PEARL as one of your favorites, Carol. No matter how many books I publish, my debut novel will always be my heartsong.

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    1. Kellie, your new series with Revell is different from Mother of Pearl, yet just as good. But there's just something special about the first book that made me fall in love with a particular author. And I remember how the ending had me in tears - of happiness, that is. I suspect that one of your books will always be on my "best of" list!

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  4. FYI, Carole, next week's list will be mystery series!

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    1. It says "Ten books for readers who like _____." I'm not sure I have time for all these "top ten" lists, but they sure are fun and make you think. This is one I can't resist - and I'll do it on British mysteries. Thanks for the idea, Beckie!

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  5. Carole, here is the link to my review of Lost And Found. https://rbclibrary.wordpress.com/2013/01/04/book-review-lost-and-found/. Have you read Words? Another outstanding novel by Yttrup. I was so disappointed that B&H decided not to publish Flames. I hope she gets it out another way. BTW, I met Ginny a few years ago at the Christy Awards. She had just published Words and we sat at the same table. She was really sweet. I was thrilled that she won the Christy for it the following year.

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    1. We think alike when it comes to Ginny's writing, Beckie. Lost and Found is one of those books that I can't get out of my mind. Loved your comment about it being a "thinking reader's book." Wish there were more books like this in the Christian fiction genre.

      I can't remember the title, but Ginny is going to self publish a book soon, but you may have already known that. And no, I haven't read Words yet. I know it will be outstanding, just need to find time, Beckie.

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  6. To date, never read any of them.
    Due to discussions in a couple groups, I did look up Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke and Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron .. put both on my wishlist, but haven't gotten either one so far.

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    1. It's kind of funny because I don't particularly care for WWII stories, but these were two of my favorite books. Both ended happily and are of "read again" quality for me. Hope you get to read them soon!

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  7. Definitely agree with Lost and Found! That was a very good novel!

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  8. Also thanks for sharing at Booknificent Thursday!

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