I had a hard time narrowing this list down, but here it is- my top 10 contemporary fiction books that I gave 5 stars in 2017, along
with my reviews- why I thought these books were AMAZING!
Love's Shadow by Nichole Van
The first book in the series, Gladly Beyond, was pretty amazing and made
my list for favorites of 2016. This second book did not disappoint and I
loved it just as much! Full of emotion, heartache, love, and hope, it
brings out all the feels and I shed a few tears while reading. I loved
the connection between Bran and Lucy, despite both of them thinking they
harbored an unrequited love for each other. There are so many fun
quirky details that really make their relationship come to life. The
paranormal aspect of the plot isn't too over the top and is based in the
family's history, so the modern setting wasn't too much of a contrast
for the things Lucy and the D'Angelo family are experiencing, perhaps
because it's set in Italy. The supernatural gift/curse that the brothers
have form a bond between them and the dynamics are complicated and
fascinating. I already can't wait to read more!!!
Paige's Turn by Jennifer Peel
This is a pretty special book. I loved Paige's character, especially her
unique blend of grace and moxie. As confident as we are as adults,
there's something about returning to a hometown that makes us remember
or relive those feelings of vulnerability associated with our youth. I
also feel this way on the rare occasion when I get together with friends
from high school. My life now is so separate from my life then, I
wonder if people who grow up in the same place and with the same people
avoid this experience. Anyway, back to the book! Paige is compelled by
the death of her aunt to return and follow Mitzi's wishes that she run
the bookstore and reconnect with Sam, her former crush and current
landscaper. The notes she leaves Paige are hilarious and heartwarming,
making her a definite presence and influence in the book. There are a
variety of community and family members that are vividly portrayed and I
loved my experience spending time with Paige as she navigates the
minefields of gossip, misunderstandings, and jealousy. She has cathartic
and healing experiences and even some vindication when her confidence
and success is accepted as her true self instead of being seen as the
person she once was. A lovely journey with fun, drama, angst, and of
course romance!
Rescue Me by Susan May Warren
I can hardly believe it, but I just might have loved this second book in
the Montana Rescue series even more than the first!!! (And that's
saying a lot...) The action is way ramped up throughout the entire book,
and I was literally biting my fingernails at times. (It was like
watching a movie in my head!) I love the author's method of including
two romances in the story- the main one between Sam and Willow, and also
one between team members Jess and Pete, Sam's younger brother. The
characters are strong, yet flawed, and all their journeys- physical and
emotional- are compelling and human. I think that's why I connected with
this story- each character has some major hang-ups, but it made them
easier to relate to as they struggled and tried their best to do what
they felt was right. The romances were both very "will they/won't they"
and kept me turning pages and invested in the outcome.
True to You by Becky Wade
True
to You is oh-so-good! It totally made me cry... and that's a good
thing. By the end of the book I felt so much compassion for John and his
struggle to accept and overcome some pretty tough things. As a mother
who adopted her children,
I completely related to the theme of adoption and was fascinated by
Nora and John's search for his biological parents. The contrasts between
Nora and John were stark, but their differences complemented each other
and the chemistry between them was awesome. I loved the emotional
journey they went on as they learned to trust God and rely on Him for
peace and resolution. Nora's sisters were a fun and integral presence
and I can't wait to read their stories!
Right Next to Me by Rachel Ward
Right
Next to Me was a pleasure to read! It alternated between two times of
transition in Sydney's life, and the comparison was intriguing. In her
early high school days she struggles through her parents' divorce and
takes on more responsibility in her family, which influences her later
priorities when she graduates high school and begins college. The sweet
beginnings of her relationship with Gavin show how hard it is to let go
when they take separate paths. I loved her friendship with James and
it's pretty much obvious to everyone except Sydney how they belong
together. The author was skillful in showing (instead of telling) the
supportive nature of their relationship and how much they enjoyed each
other's company. It was easy to connect to the characters' emotions and
the angst they are feeling as their relationship dynamic becomes more
complex. A great young adult novel about growing up, navigating
difficult circumstances, and the importance of friendship and
forgiveness.
The Promise of a Letter by Kathleen Fuller
I absolutely loved Leanna! She is a unique character that owns her
eccentricities and enjoys her independence. I admired her confidence,
yet in this story her confidence is deeply shaken when her life is
turned upside down in more than one unforeseen way. The manner in which
she deals with her new circumstances and new friendship with Roman shows
her compassion and ability to forgive. I enjoyed seeing Roman's journey
as he is searching for his place and purpose despite being the black
sheep of the family. We also see the struggles of Roman's brother Daniel
and his wife Barbara which are heartbreaking but also full of hope and
God's grace. Even though Roman and Daniel's grandmother has passed away,
she is a major influence in the book and the lives of these men as she
encourages them via letter to reconcile and support each other. I
thoroughly enjoyed this book and connecting with the characters!
A New Shade of Summer by Nicole Deese
After Davis was let down by Willa in the previous book of the series, I
was so hoping that the author would give him his own story of finding
love. And she did! And it is fabulous! I love how different Callie is
and exactly what Davis and Brandon need. Her personality shines right
off the page and yet has complexity woven in. Her connection to
Brandon's artistic side draws him out which makes Davis take notice, in
more ways than one. I loved how she was able to perceive people and
their strengths, and communicate that to others. There are so many
awesome nuggets in this book, but I want you to discover them for
yourself! The chemistry between Davis and Callie is palpable and I loved
how their romance budded naturally. Because Callie is so carefree in
many aspects of her life, is seems that she is also free of fear, but
her perceptions of herself and her innate characteristics are shaded by
her father's choices and his words of legacy to her. Davis also has
fears but he is an example to Callie in overcoming them by processing
feelings of grief and anger through turning to God, allowing him to live
life to the fullest. This book is full of light and humor, depth and
compassion.
Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh
I just love this author's writing style! She has a way of drawing me
into the lives of people who are struggling against the darkness and as
their stories weave together the light emerges and hope shines brightly
on its way to a happy ending- which really seems more like a new
beginning. The contrasts and similarities between Beth and Molly as
sisters really stood out to me, and it was interesting to see the
characteristics they embraced and which ones they left behind as they
were influenced by their parents and the people around them. I loved
that they both rediscovered qualities about themselves that they
believed didn't apply anymore. It's reassuring that it's never too late
to decide to change and pursue a new focus in life. Beth and Drew are
both holding on to painful secrets, and the process of loosening up
around each other shakes the secrets out of dark corners where they can
now be released... although Drew required a little more shaking ;) It
was nice to see how they supported each other and yet had a realistic
dynamic based on their very defined personalities. They had fabulous
chemistry, and that first kiss- wow. I admit I read that scene a few
times over (fans self). It was gratifying to see how the long
time mystery unfolded and also watch the community band together to work
hard for a new Fairwind Farm.
Once Again in Christmas Falls by Becky Monson
This was my favorite book of the Return to Christmas Falls series, bar none. I absolutely loved
the "childhood friends reunited" angle to the romance, especially when
each character is so easy to like! London was so fun and interesting,
and the author really delved into what made her tick and how her
transformation affected her. Andy is lovable and charming and of course
unrequited love gets me every time! They had such great chemistry
together and even when the inevitable conflict came, I was rooting for
them the whole time. I felt connected to the emotions of London and Andy
which is one of my favorite things about reading a well-written book.
This is one I'll definitely re-read and since it's the first book I've
read by the author it made me add all her other books to my list! (This would be fine to read as a stand-alone even though it's in
the middle of the series).
The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay
At first I wondered
if this book would be similar to others that have the characters
dressing up and playacting in Regency form, but I needn't have worried-
while there is a bit of that, it is taken to a higher level by Katherine
Reay's unique writing style. This is a book that you just *feel*. While
there is a great focus on the complex dynamics of the relationships
Mary has with Isabel and Nathan, I loved that it delved just as deeply
into her struggles with her job as an engineer and the part of her
identity that is tied up in it. I loved her father and the influence he
is on her life and creativity, he is such a great addition to the story
and made it richer. I could relate to Mary's mixed feelings of
resentment and love that she has for Isabel. There's something about
growing up with a longtime friend that gives you so many experiences of
good, bad, and in between that it's almost like family in how it shapes
your personality. It was fascinating to see how Mary becomes more aware
of Isabel's struggles and the way that she deals with the fallout of
secrets that come to light. The simmering attraction between Nathan and
Mary was delicious because the reader can tell how much they like the
other but they are unaware of each other's interest... until they slowly
become more brave in expressing that interest. It's not without
conflict of course, and the anticipation while they worked things out
was killing me- I just LOVED it!!!
Have you read any of these books?
What are some of your favorites?
Katherine Reay is a national bestselling and award-winning author of several novels and one work of nonfiction.
