We hope that everyone had a great Christmas and were gifted all the new books you wanted! If you still hunger for more, check out our top picks for Contemporary Fiction!
Top Pick: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold
The Extraordinary Death of Mrs. Kip is just that, an extraordinary book, especially when you realize this is a debut book. Sara Brunsvold has written a delightful new story that is going to be in the running for one of my favorite books of the year. This book hit me in all the right places and even had me wiping away a tear or two towards the end, not something that happens often when reading.
Runner Up: No More Lies by Kerry Lonsdale
If you enjoyed No More Words, then you will love this book even more. I was initially expecting a continuation, but this is a retelling of the same time period from Jenna and Josh’s perspective. So, readers know the elements of what happened to Lily, but now get to read about it firsthand and understand how the characters became who they are today. Needless to say, Lonsdale placed plenty of intrigue throughout the pages to keep her readers hooked through the full story. There are references to events in the first book that readers may need to go back and enjoy again to get the full effect.
Honorable Mention: The Local by Joey Hartstone
As a fellow Texan, I have friends who are patent lawyers in Marshall, so it was fun to pick their brain while I read this story to get an idea of what goes on. The book centers more on the criminal case of the murdered judge instead of patent law, which probably makes the book move faster and get readers more engaged. Hartstone did a great job of setting up the scene quickly and bringing characters in to connect with readers.
Honorable Mention: Among the Innocent by Mary Alford
Normally a book on Amish fiction would not be one I eagerly pick up to read, but I’m happy to say Among the Innocent was so much better than I expected. Mary Alford crafted a story set within the Amish community that was engaging, suspenseful, delightful, and more.
Honorable Mention: Shaped by the Waves by Christina Suzann Nelson
Christina Suzann Nelson always manages to craft characters who are hurting, yet strong willed, and make them become a reader’s best friend while trying to help them work out their problems. I have been a fan of many of her books and this is an excellent addition to the collection. The main character within the pages is my favorite character from any book this year!
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