Because I'm a total, helpless book nerd, I thought this would be a good first "Real Post."
Please note that I don't think any of these books were actually written in 2017, only that I read then in 2017.
So, while it's cold and snowy, here's some good books to pair with that hot chocolate:
#5 Hello, My Name Is Single-- Adriane Dorr--
The minute I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it, and it delivers!
If you're single, like me, or you want to better understand the singles around you, this book does a very good job of getting into the single Christian's mind. I personally felt that the book focused too much on above mid-twenties singles who had already left home, but that's probably because I'm still an under-twenty something living at home. All in all--- Love the book. One of those books that makes you happy because you realize you're not alone.
#4 Eyes of E'veria-- Serena Chase--
I think this is cheating, but I couldn't bare to separate the series. It's a four book series, although the books are sorta paired within the series. It's Christian fantasy with a touch of allegory, which I love. Plus, books 3 and 4 talk about human trafficking, which is extra points in my book. Wonderful, suspenseful books with rich, realistically flawed characters, and a happy ending.
#3 Blades of Acktar-- Tricia Mingerick--
It took me a while to really get into this series, but once I did- Wow. Just... so Wow! A deep, strong plot, characters that remind me of real people, suspense and drama. AND a very string theme of redemption, forgiveness, and putting your past behind you. Really, really enjoyed it.
#2 Ilyon Chronicles-- Jaye E. Knight--
One of those series that you fall in love with by chapter two and can't put down afterwards. The characters progress and develop in marvelously true to life fashion, the villain is deliciously evil, the good guys are strong and noble without being perfect, and..... I just love Leetra. Read the series, and I dare you to not fall in love with Leetra. Ok, I like Kyrin too.............
#1 Tale of Two Cities-- Charles Dickens--
Finally got around to reading the whole, unabridged version this year. It is a really long book, and he tends to ramble on descriptions-- telling us what things look like for seemingly endless paragraphs. Or he throws out random details, expecting you to be about to store, for example, the knitting scene in your head for nearly half the book. However, for historical strength, majestic prose, artistic imagery, writing style and a strong substitutionary atonement theme.... Wonderful. Bravo.
Bonus-- Doon-- Carey Corp and Lori Langdon--
Combine medieval Scotland, time travel, paranormal fiction, and a discrete but powerful message. What's not to love?
Books I'm Looking Forward to in 2018
#1- Melanie Dickerson is writing a new novel, this one based on Ten Thousand Nights/Aladdin that looks wonderful.. If it's anything like her other books, my waiting patiently until spring is doubtful.
#2- Hopefully, Jaye E Knight will write the last book in the Ilyon Chronicles this year. Still not sure I really want her to finish, I just want the next book.
#3-- Maybe Frank Peretti will decide to write fiction again? Just a suggestion..... nudge nudge.....
Have you ever noticed that nonfiction authors don't tell us when they're going to release a new book like fiction authors do? I just thought of that when I realized that I don't know if any on my favorite nonfiction authors is going to release a book this year.
Teaser: Just got the new Joel Salatin book from the library. Looks great, but I haven't read it yet. If it's anything like his other books, it'll be really, really good.
So-- You have any nominees for the list? Feel free to throw me a line in the comments of your favorite books from 2017!
