Category: Top 5

2020 Top Time Slip Novels

One of our favorite genres is the time slip, where we get to enjoy both historical fiction as well as a present storyline. This is almost like having two novels in one and any of these books will keep you well occupied into the night!

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

A fantastic coming of age story about finding yourself in the darkest of times and learning that no matter what, everyone deserves happiness! The way the two stories of Ivy and Harvey intertwined kept us intrigued and made this an easy top choice.

Read the full review.

The Haunting of Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright

Wright always delivers a spectacular tale that balances darkness and light and her newest release was no exception! This story is thrilling, mysterious, and moving focusing on brokenness, revenge, love, and a yearning to belong.

Read the full review.

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

Even though it made its way onto our historical fiction list (both timelines were historical), it is still a masterful time slip by Lisa Wingate. Both stories were intriguing and it took both to find out the truth.

Read the full review.

Fragments of Light by Michele Phoenix

This book had so much raw emotion that readers can’t help but feel for the characters involved. The healing encountered in this book makes it the icing on the cake.

Read the full review.

2020 Top Contemporary Fiction

With Christmas in our review mirror, we are turning our attention to the start of a new year. Reflecting on this past year brought several great titles in contemporary fiction. It’s so hard to limit these our favorites, but here are our top recommendations!

Solid Ground Coffee Company by Carla Laureano

We’re not sure if it was the fact that we could smell the coffee beans roasting throughout this book, the mountain climbing adventure, or the sizzling romance that couldn’t be ignored between the two main characters. Whatever the reason, it found its way to the top of the list!

Read the full review.

The Water Keeper by Charles Martin

Martin’s tales are just plain great! If you’ve never read one, you need to pick up one today. This particular story does have a tie in with one of his previous novels that makes it even better when you’ve read both, but don’t let that stop you from picking up this book today. You’ll have action, adventure, and healing!

Read the full review.

Side Trip by Kerry Lonsdale

What happens on the road, stays on the road. And if you take a side trip, both parties have to agree! That’s the message in this insanely good, yet messy romance that occurs when two strangers inadvertently meet at a diner in California and agree to spontaneous road trip together following historic Route 66 to Chicago!

Read the full review.

Promised Land by Robert Whitlow

We couldn’t wait to get our hands on this sequel and we were not disappointed. The continuation of Hana and Daud’s journey was nourishment to our souls. Hana has become one of our favorite characters out of any book read. We only hope to see a future book!

Read the full review.

Brave Girl, Quiet Girl by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Each time we pick up a new Catherine Ryan Hyde story, we find ourselves amazed at how wonderfully she can write a novel. It doesn’t matter what the story is about, we are pulled in and fly through the pages each time. Each new book by Hyde explores themes that are relevant to today’s world and this is no exception, we see the problem of acceptance, love, homelessness and LGBTQ issues. There is nothing that gets graphic or too heavy into these topics, but it does bring to light problems that can be glossed over and easy to ignore.

Read the full review.

2020 Top YA Fiction

Merry Christmas all! And what a better present than to share some more top of the year recommendations! Today we are sharing our top picks for young adult fiction!

Twin Daggers by MarcyKate Connolly

With one of the best opening lines of a book this year, Twin Daggers had our emotions wreaking havoc through the whole book. Top notch suspense and fantastic character development made this an easy choice for top pick.

Read the full review.

Fractured Tide by Leslie Lutz

This was unlike any book we’ve read in a long time! Lutz crafted a fun, chilling, yet engaging tale that let us glued to the edge of our seats!

Read the full review.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Although this book wasn’t for everybody, we thoroughly enjoyed getting to see President Snow’s back story. For someone we hated through the entire Hunger Games series, we actually felt sorry for the guy in his early life!

Read the full review.

Ignite the Sun by Hanna C. Howard

If you enjoy magic, romance, and adventure in your YA reads, this fantasy tale is for you. Howard wrote one of the perfect protagonists for this story that held our attention the whole way through.

Read the full review.

Chasing Helicity: Through the Storm by Ginger Zee

With her knowledge of science and weather, Ginger Zee has crafted yet another wonderful tale that will delight young and old readers alike. Helicity Dunlap and her adventurous spirit made us quickly fall back in love with her story!

Read the full review.

2020 Top Historical Fiction

It’s that time of year again! Not only is Christmas right around the corner, but it’s time to reveal our top five selections for multiple reading genres for 2020! And what a year 2020 has been! Thank goodness for books! And to kick it off, we are sharing our top five picks for historical ficiton!

Wolf by Herman J. Stern

Thoroughly researched with characters that easily mixed the reality of Hitler’s rise to power through a couple of fictional characters. It’s not hard to see why this topped our list!

Read the full review.

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

Wingate’s ability to bring little known past occurrences to life never ceases to amaze us. This year’s story about the circulated newspapers detailing families separated when the South was liberated after the Civil War was no objection. We enjoyed every word!

Read the full review.

Bodies in the Tiber by Vincent B. Davis II

We have been waiting for the conclusion to this series since it began! The third installment dives headfirst into ancient Roman politics and Davis shows that things today are as different as we’d like to think!

Read the full review.

The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano

It’s not often that a new release reads like a classic novel, but that just want this did. Fans of Jane Eyre will love this beautifully written tale!

Read the full review.

Stories That Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner

Certain authors are able to master history’s social injustice issues and make them feel just as fresh today. Finkbeiner gives us a tremendous story showing the cruelty of racism and how it shouldn’t even exist!

Read the full review.

What’s in Store for 2020?

As we close out another decade of fantastic books, we know that the future promises even better!  We will discover new talent as well as have some of our favorite authors rekindle characters we’ve grown to love.  Below is just a sample of what to look forward to in the new year!

Collateral Damage

 

Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason

Releases January 7th.  Eason has become one our favorite romantic suspense authors and this new series has us lurking for danger.  If you find you like it, be sure to pickup the next in the series, Acceptable Risk, that releases in August.

Find out more about the book here.

 

 

 

 

Way of the brave

 

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

Releases January 7th.  Susan May Warren has developed a knack for romantic suspense coupled with high stress search and rescue operations.  We expect this series to be just as good, if not better, than anything we’ve read by her before.  Be sure to nab the second book, The Heart of a Hero, in June.

Find out more about the book here.

 

 

 

Promised land

 

Promised Land by Robert Whitlow

Releases January 14th.  We’ve been dying to know what happened to both Hannah and Jakob’s relationship after the last book left such an opening.

Find out more about the book here.

 

 

 

 

 

a cold trail

 

A Cold Trail by Robert Dugoni

Releases February 4th.  It’s been far too long since we’ve read a Tracy Crosswhite novel.  This is truly one of the best series on the market.

Find out more about the book here.

 

 

 

 

chasing the white lion

 

Chasing the White Lion by James R. Hannibal

Releases March 3rd.  The first book in this series hooked us.  The second looks to reel us in.

Find out more about the book here.

 

 

 

 

 

kings falling

 

Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig

Releases March 31st.  Kendig always manages to bring about great stories that can tie in history to current events.  The first in this series had crossover characters and we can’t wait to see who shows up in this one!

Find out more about the book here.

 

 

 

 

The book of lost friends

 

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

Releases April 7th.  Wingate’s last novel had a tremendous impact on thousands of people.  She brought multiple stories to light with a single story based on true events.  Can she make a repeat performance?

Find out more about the book here.

 

 

 

 

side trip

 

Side Trip by Kerry Lonsdale

Releases July 7th.  Lonsdale creates relatable characters that stick with us for years after we cross their path.  If this is anything like her last book, we’ll be talking about the ending this time next year.

Find out more about the book here.

 

 

 

 

The lost jewels

 

The Lost Jewels by Kirsty Manning

Releases August 4th. Manning became our newest favorite author for time slip novels.  Based on the description, this one is going to blow us away.

Find out more about the book here.

Top Suspense/Thriller for 2019

Quite possibly our favorite category and genre.  Who doesn’t love a good thrill ride?  This year’s top selections will keep you in suspense for the entire book!

 

the line between

 

1. The Line Between and A Single Light by Tosca Lee

Both of these books should be at the top of every thriller readers list!  Tosca Lee has become such a master connecting readers to her characters so that the suspense becomes personal.  Both books were published in 2019 and to get the full effect, readers will need to devour both!

Read the review of The Line Between here.

Read the review of A Single Light here.

 

 

single light

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

persian

 

2. The Persian Gamble by Joel C. Rosenberg

Rosenberg continues to dazzle us with his current event political thrillers that seem like they could come true tomorrow. The second book in this series continues the tension between the United States and Russia, but left us wondering how the third is going to wrap it up.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

Storm rising

 

3. Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig

Readers will stay engaged with this new series and fans of Kendig will be love that characters from the Tox files cross over.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

The String

 

4. The String by Caleb Breakey

It has been a long time since we’ve read a debut novel that reminded us of the writing of seasoned writers that is a thrilling, elaborate, intricately woven story and deeply twisted all at the same time.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

Never look back

 

5. Never Look Back by Alison Gaylin

With the back and forth writing style between the present and past, the story is told in a way that gives readers a full understanding of what is happening and how things played out.

Read the full review here.

Top Romantic Suspense for 2019

Another popular category centers on blending a budding romance between two characters while keeping a reader engaged with suspenseful action.  It was a crazy good year for romantic/suspense books, but only the best made the top of our list, even if it did exceed five!

Vow of Justice

 

1. Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason

One of the supporting characters helped nabbed the top spot.  The way her empathy was displayed and even used against her made this story what it is!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Smoke Screen

 

2. Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock

Terri Blackstock brings a different type of suspense with Smoke Screen. This is a mystery with a romantic suspense angle, but the suspense here comes more from the drama within the families.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

seconds to live

 

3. Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman

The action and suspense gripped us so tightly we couldn’t put the book down.  Add that the US Marshals are showcased in this book and it easily made the top of the list.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Killing tide

 

4. The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey

In this fast paced and energetic thriller, Dani Pettrey delivers her best book yet!  Readers will not want to miss this one!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

One final breath

 

5. One Final Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn

With each book in this series readers have seen Blackburn come alive in her writing. One Final Breath brings the best of the series and gives readers even more to love. The suspense is top notch, the romance is right on point and the story flows without even trying.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

Knox

 

6. Knox by Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren is one of the very best romantic suspense writers on the market. Blending characters in this new series with a past series makes it a sure thing!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Cold aim

 

7. Cold Aim by Janice Cantore

The third installment in the Line of Duty series gives readers the best yet with more drama, action, adventure and romance than anything Cantore has written to date!

Read the full review here.

Top Time-Slip for 2019

This is a new category added for the year because it is becoming such a popular genre.  All of these stories could easily fall into the historical fiction category, but it takes a good blend of past and present to make the time slip possible.

Castle on the Rise

 

1.  Castle on the Rise and The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron

These two books closed out the Lost Castle series and released in 2019.  Kambron weaves three simultaneous stories in each book: one set in the 1700s, one set in World War II, and one set in the present.  Readers will find it difficult to pick their favorite!

Read the full review of Castle on the Rise here.

Read the full review of The Painted Castle here.

 

Painted castle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

curse of misty wayfair

 

2. The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright

It’s easy to see why Wright recently picked up a Christy award.  Her ability to blend timelines is nothing less than spectacular.  While this is a bit dark, it’s the mystery that won us over!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

Woman in the white kimono

 

3. Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns

Based on real events in post occupation Japan, this story played out beautifully.  We’re huge fans of literature set in Japan and this title has been one of the best we’ve ever read.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

Lost Vintage

 

4. The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah

This book takes place in a French vineyard in both World War II and present day.  It’s sort of a Cinderella story of the Resistance, but not all endings are happy.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Jade lily

 

5. The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning

Many time slip novels are based on actual events for the historical aspect.  This was no exception as Manning brought to light the Jewish immigration to Shanghai after Kristallnacht as well as the Japanese Occupation shortly thereafter.  Combine this with a young female trying to figure out her heritage, you’ve got a fantastic book!

Read the full review here.

Top Historical Fiction for 2019

Historical fiction is always hard to nail down because there are so many amazing books taking place a different times.  This year proved to be extremely difficult (as always) and there was no easy way to narrow it down to five.  So we didn’t!

all manner of things

 

1.  All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner

Finkbeiner is a master at pulling readers into her settings.  We felt so connected with this family that we yearned for simpler times throughout the entire book.  The book has such raw emotion throughout that readers may find themselves shedding a tear or two.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

Hyde-Stay-27325-CV-JK-v3.indd

 

2. Stay by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Each time we pick up a Catherine Ryan Hyde book we think  it can’t possibly be better than the last, but she proves us wrong every single time. Stay is a perfectly crafted tale of what it means to care for someone and love them enough to want them to stay in this world.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

The Noise of War

 

3. The Noise of War by Vincent B. Davis II

The next installment in the Sertoris novels takes things to a new level.  The continuation of his progression into politics makes history come alive.  We can’t wait for the next book!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Within these lines

 

4. Within these Lines by Stephanie Morrill

A heart wrenching story about the Japanese internment in California as told through the eyes of a young Italian female in San Francisco.  This book will be great to explain history to today’s younger generation.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

Number of Love

 

5. The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White

This book was like a new take on A Beautiful Mind.  We fell in love with the main character’s naivete and her ability to break coded messages.  This is one of our top picks to be make into a film!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

Sins of the Father

 

6. Sins of the Father by Vincent B. Davis II

Who doesn’t love a good mafia story?  Davis’s ability to create worlds based on historical events is evident with this new series!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

The Sky Above Us

 

7. The Sky Above Us by Sara Sundin

The second book in the Sunrise at Normandy series really progressed the story along.  Each book focuses on a brother who all become estranged because of one ill fated event.  Each went their own way and each entered a separate branch of the service.  Masterfully done!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

Far side of the sea

 

8. The Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin

Heartbreaking, yet triumphant!  This story is a master of deception as well as a historical masterpiece.

Read the full review here.

Top Mystery Fiction for 2019

Merry Christmas to all our followers!  We have a special gift for everyone today in sharing what we think are the top picks for Mystery Fiction this year!  Everyone have a safe and happy holiday!

Girl behind red rope

 

1.  The Girl Behind the Red Rope by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker

Teaming up for the first time, father and daughter Ted and Rachelle Dekker deliver an intense and fascinating read that will leave fans thirsting for them to team up again and again and again.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

the eighth sister

 

2. The Eighth Sister by Robert Dugoni

Robert Dugoni’s newest series starts off with a stellar story that will hook readers and keep them guessing until the very end. Another well-crafted story by one of the very best.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

Gryphon Heist

 

3. The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal

Readers are set up for a thrill ride full of suspense, danger, mystery and so many twists and turns they won’t be able to stop until the very last page!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

alistar ainsworth

 

4. The Disappearance of Alistair Ainsworth by Leonard Goldberg

This series has quickly become a crowd favorite.  If you are a regular sleuth, these will keep you guessing till the final reveal!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

a bitter feast

 

5. A Bitter Feast by Deborah Cromble

Don’t let the fact that this is the 18th book in a series deter you from selecting this title, because it may hook you to go back and read a few of the previous novels.

Read the full review here.