Category: Top 5

Top Contemporary for 2019

It’s time to release our top picks for the contemporary category.  This category has stories set in modern times that focus on realistic fiction.  Any of these books are all around great reads, which is why we couldn’t narrow it to five!

how the light gets in

  1. 1Th
  2. 1. How the Light Gets In by Jolina Petersheim

This modern day retelling of the bibilcal story of Ruth is simply phenomenal.  There is so much raw emotion in this book that every reader will be affected.  However, we must warn you that there is a controversial ending that has left many readers unsettled.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

Unscripted

 

2. Unscripted by Davis Bunn

This was easily one of our favorite stories of the entire tire.  This fun and easy read boasts some great character growth and Bunn’s trademark ability to engage the reader within the first paragraph.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

Offscript

 

3. Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated by Kaley Rhea and Rhonda Rhea

This book may have just released but it was such a fun read that it quickly worked its way up our ranks.  When the Rheas get together to write a book, you know it’s going to be fun, witty, and good.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

Last Summer

 

4. Last Summer by Kerry Lonsdale

Lonsdale is no stranger to our annual top contemporary selections.  Last Summer took us for one crazy ride that will keep readers heads spinning to the last page trying to figure out what actually happened.  She has created some devious characters in the past and this story is no exception.

Read the full review here.

 

 

Luis Velez

 

5. Have You Seen Luis Velez? by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Every single novel we’ve read by Catherine Ryan Hyde pulls us in further and shows that she is one of the best at crafting a story that pulls at readers’ heartstrings and character relationships that very few other authors could pull off.

Read the full review here.

 

 

Glitter of Gold

 

5. A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson

Johnson has a way of developing flawed characters that readers can easily relate to.  Set against the backdrop of picturesque Savannah, Georgia, its easy to get lost in the folklore of this story.  Oh, and there be pirates!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

brunch

 

6. Brunch at Bittersweet Café by Carla Laureano

A sweet savory treat that will leave the reader’s palate thirsting for more of this scrumptious tale.

Read the full review here.

Top Young Adult Fiction For 2019

Next up on our top of the year list is YA fiction.  This is a very challenging category where authors have to hold the attention of both teens and adults alike.  There are plenty of choices available,  but only a few can make the cut!

The triumphant

 

  1. 1. The Triumphant by Lesley Livingston

We have loved this series since the first book came out. The female gladiators are strong, resilient and determined in every challenge they face. This is the perfect series for young girls looking for strong female leads that face the odds and learn from their mistakes and adversaries to come out on top.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

We were beautiful

 

2. We Were Beautiful by Heather Helper

A powerful read with a message that is hard hitting and can help those struggling with deep emotional issues who are having trouble moving beyond.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

No Place like Here

 

3. No Place Like Here by Christina June

An absolutely beautifully written coming of age story that will leave readers smiling long after turning the last page.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Silence between us

 

4. The Silence Between Us by Alison Gervais

A perfect young adult novel that teaches acceptance in a way that may not always appear to most of us.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Tiger queen

 

5. Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan

The second book by Annie Sullivan and if she keeps this up, she will quickly be at the top of the pack of Young Adult authors.

Read the full review here.

Top Nonfiction for 2019

It’s that time of year again when we reflect on our favorite picks for each of our genre categories.  We’re going to kick it off with nonfiction!  There were some new authors that brought some serious competition to this category.  Any of these will easily be a great read.

Fix Her Upper1. Fix Her Upper: Reclaim Your Happy by Beth Duewel & Rhonda Rhea

Sometimes we all need a little help finding our happy space when life tries to hide it from us. Rhonda Rhea and Beth Duewel deliver a wonderful guide to help readers reclaim the happy that many haven’t even realize is lost.  This book has the ability to give you a rejuvenation.

Check out the full review here.

 

 

 

Unruffled

 

2. Unruffled: Thriving in Chaos by Edie Melson & Rhonda Rhea

A delightful combination of wit, charm and charisma to help us deal with the craziness in life that can cause us to become unruffled.

Check out the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Husband

 

3. 100 Words of Affirmation Your Husband (Or Wife) Needs to Hear by Lisa Jacobson and Matt Jacobson

These two books are full of wisdom that couples tend to take for granted.  Do these together as a couple and you will find things out about each other.

Read the full review here for husband.

Read the full review here for wife.

 

 

 

Power prayers

 

4. Powerful Prayers for your Son by Rob & Joanna Teigen

A wonderful tool for all parents of boys as they grow and go through the difficult times life will throw their way.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

yours truly

 

5. Yours Truly, John by Traci Stead

Traci Stead does an outstanding job crafting a story that will bring readers closer to Jesus and the miracles he performed by giving us scripture from the past and stories from the present in a thought-provoking study for all.

Read the full review here.

Top Reads of 2018

With only a day left in the year, we wanted to share what we thought were the top reads.  With so many different genres and fantastic books released this year, its difficult to choose who should be on this list.  We hope you have enjoyed several of these titles and if you haven’t, grab a copy today!

sam hellTop Pick: The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni.

Our top contemporary pick tops this lists as well.  Different from his suspense thriller and legal thriller novels, Dugoni brings about a coming of age story that captured our attention from the beginning.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Dead Sea RisingDead Sea Rising by Jerry B. Jenkins

Our top mystery pick was also a high contender for the top spot.  Jenkins proves he is still at the top of his game.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every Wicked ManEvery Wicked Man by Steven James

It’s criminal to see this series end, but at least it went out with a bang.  We’ve enjoyed all the Patrick Bowers novels and can’t wait to see what James is planning to cook up next.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sold on a MondaySold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris

Our topver historical fiction pick was a shoe in for this category.  The mystery and suspense put forth in this book kept us guessing what was going to happen and relieved when things worked out the way they did.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

A Steep priceA Steep Price by Robert Dugoni

Tracy Crosswhite will likely always manage to find a place on our lists.  As longs as Dugoni keeps writing her story, we are going to keep reading it!  Truly one eof the best series out there today.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Everything We GiveEverything We Give by Kerry Lonsdale

Another fantastic series comes to a close (or does it)?  This book finally explains all the events coupled with flawed characters that feel like our best friends.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thirst of SteelThirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig

Another great suspense thriller series that everyone should grab a copy of today.  Kendig shows why she’s a master at the genre.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Send Down the RainSend Down the Rain by Charles Martin

Martin shows that a life of good acts doesn’t make up for one bad decision.  Only truth and forgiveness can do that.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Suspense/Thriller

Our last genre category for the year is for suspense/thrillers!  If you’ve enjoyed checking out our top picks in each category, check back tomorrow for our top overall selections.

Every Wicked Man1. Every Wicked Man by Steven James

The final book in the Bowers files leaves us sad to see the series end.  James has created one of the best series out there an fans will love the way things come to an end.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Steep price

2. A Steep Price by Robert Dugoni

The newest Tracy Crosswhite book is a must read!  Tracy and her crew are back and ready to tackle their toughest case yet, which hits too close to home for Tracy.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thirst of Steel3. Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig

As the final book in the Tox Files concludes, readers will have their emotions taken on a roller coaster ride.  Ronie Kendig brings one of the best novels of the year.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not that I could tell4. Not that I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser

DO NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!  Read until the final chapter to see the right way a suspense novel should be played out!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If I live5. If I Live by Terri Blackstock

One of the best conclusions to a series that we’ve read in a long time!  Blackstock never disappoints!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The escape artist6. The Escape Artist by Brad Meltzer

Who is Nola Brown and why is she supposed to be dead?  Throughout this book, readers will be left stunned and salivating for answers for these two questions in addition to many, many more!

Read the full review here.

 

 

Top Historical Fiction

Another great category as the year comes to a close is historical fiction.  This topic covers anything from a few years ago to ancient civilization.  It’s easy to get lost in these terrific reads.

Sold on a Monday1. Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris

It was easy to pick the top book of the year in this category.  Set in the great depression, an innocent photo to depict the hardships turns into a horrible mess that may destroy the lives of several people.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Between the Lies2. Between the Lies by Cynthia A. Graham

Another fantastic read by Graham.  This is set in Arkansas during the civil ri. ghts movement in a battle between sheriffs of neighboring counties over the innocence of a young colored boy charged with murder.  Fair warning though, the ending is going to get you!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Women in the Castle3. The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck

This is one of those books that  has garnered a lot of buzz in the short time it h as been  on the market, and it’s easy to see why.  Each character is complex, and while maybe not likeable, relatable.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

The Lost Castle4. The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron

Three different stories encompassing three different time periods all set at the same castle compose this masterpiece.  You’ll have trouble deciding which of the stories you are more looking forward to continuing as you read!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Missing Isaac5. Missing Isaac by Valeria Fraser Luesse

A terrific novel that explores both the prejudice and the classism of the 1960s southern era.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

jerusalem queen6. Jerusalem’s Queen by Angela Hunt

As always, Hunt’s novels are rich with history and this is no exception.  We always have to research the events that take place in her book to learn more.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

Top Romantic Suspense

Our next category focuses on romance coupled with suspense.  A great combo with several great books.

Wait for Me1. Wait for Me by Susan May Warren

This entire series was great for romantic suspense, but the closing book really ramped up the heat.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In too deep2. In Too Deep by Lynn H. Blackburn

Lynn H. Blackburn hit it out of the park with the first Dive Team book and the follow up is even better.  We loved every minute we got to spend with the characters.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lethal Target3. Lethal Target by Janice Cantore

With tighter action, better characters and an overall excellent story, Lethal Target is by far the best we have read from Janice Cantore.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

House at Saltwater Point4. The House at Saltwater Point by Colleen Coble

Even more entertaining and suspenseful than her previous books, this might just be Coble’s very best yet!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Called to protect5. Called to Protect by Lynettte Eason

The tension was so tight and crisp that we were on the edge of our seat until the end of the book!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mind games6. Mind Games by Nancy Mehl

With a familiar writing style, we quickly devoured this suspenseful novel!

Read the full review here.

 

Best Ending to a Series

We’re branching out and adding a new category to our “Best of” lists.  This one is for the best conclusion to a series that ended in 2018, which saw quite a few of the series we had been following come to an end.

Every Wicked Man1. Every Wicked Man of the Patrick Bowers novels by Steven James

We’ve been enjoying the Patrick Bowers series for well over a decade and were  very sad to see it end.  It was bittersweet to say the least.  This FBI series is one of the best out there written by one of the best storytellers around.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If I live2. If I live of the If I Run series by Terri Blackstock

Blackstock shows that she is still at the top of her game in the conclusion of one of the most intense suspense series that has played out over the last three years.  It is plain to see why she is still one of the top names in Christian fiction.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

Wait for Me3. Wait for Me of the Montana Rescue series by Susan May Warren

This has been a terrific series of romantic suspense novels centered on members of the search and rescue team high in Montana.  Naturally played out romances with high stakes tension just kept the pages turning.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

The Golden Vial4. The Golden Vial of the Legends of the Realm series by Thomas Locke

After the first two installments, we were left hanging for almost two years to get closure and the conclusion to this amazing fantasy series, but it was worth the wait.

Read the full review here.

Top YA Fiction

Our next category focuses on a younger audience, but each of these pics can easily be enjoyed by all.

Losing Brave1. Losing Brave by Bailee Madison

This was such an intense, exciting, and suspenseful read that we believe anyone who reads this will be left with the feeling that the next book they pick up will have no chance of being as good as this one.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

The Defiant2. The Defiant by Lesley Livingston

Girl power like none other!  This book has everything readers look fir in an action packed female powerhouse of a story!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reaper3. A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

The third book in this amazing series shifts gears a bit by keeping the main characters separated from each other but builds for a follow up book that we believe will be the very best yet!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

A touch of gold4. A Touch of Gold by Annie Sullivan

A new spin on the old tale of King Midas that is filled with fun and adventure that is sure to keep readers deeply intrigued by the richness of the story!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope in the Holler5. Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre

Tyre has found a remarkable voice in crafting books that makes reading fun for younger audiences.  We hope to see her books in education curriculum soon.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everywhere You Want to Be6. Everywhere You Want to Be by Christina June

Labeled as a retelling of Red Riding Hood, Christina June goes deeper with life lessons that hit home and should be taken to heart.

Read the full review here.

Top Supernatural Fiction

Our next category covers supernatural fiction and have we got a range to pick from.  Check out these picks if you’re looking for something a little different to read.

The man he never was1. The Man He Never Was by James L. Rubart

An intensely intriguing story that will leave readers looking into their own dark side wondering whether darkness or light will win the ultimate battle.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steal Away Home2. Steal Away Home by Billy Coffey

Coffey is a master at throwing the supernatural into ordinary life.  This southern novel is a home run!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

49th mystic3. The 49th Mystic by Ted Dekker

Can we just say how excited we were to have a Ted Dekker book to read this year!  For those that are part of the circle, this book will take you for a ride!

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rise of the Mystics4. Rise of the Mystics by Ted Dekker

Okay, okay.  We know it’s another Dekker book, but it really keeps the supernatural theme moving along.  If you haven’t started his books, make that a 2019 resolution.

Read the full review here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Blooms From Dust5. What Blooms from Dust by James Markert

The surprise book from this category centers on the dust bowl in Oklahoma.  After a tornado frees a convicted killer, he returns to his hometown to set the record straight during one of the darkest storms of the era.

Read the full review here.