I was excited about this week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt from The Broke and the Bookish to list my favorite books so far of 2017. While not every book on my list may be the best I’ve read this year, they are all favorites of mine. To be included as a favorite either means I really loved book or the story has stuck with me long after I finished it. Several of these I have already reviewed on my website.
Gilt Hollow by Lorie Langdon
I got a late start in reading YA fiction, but if the stories are all as well written as this one, it may become one of my favorite genres. This mystery had gothic undertones, with the male lead returning for revenge, and a quirky yet judgmental town determined to keep its’ secrets hidden. Read my review.
Fear the Drowning Deep by Sarah Glenn Marsh
I won’t lie. I chose this dark historical fairy tale based on its’ cover. But the story of a young girl who is ostracized by a town who doesn’t believe her and the mystery of the disappearances of town members held my interest.
The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill
I had heard a lot of hype about this YA historical set in Prohibition era Chicago, featuring a young woman digging into the mystery of her best friend’s disappearance. And this book did not disappoint! Plus, who wouldn’t love a heroine named Piper Sail?
From Sand and Ash & The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
How is it possible that I just discovered Amy Harmon this year?! These two very different stories, one a historical romantic drama and the other a fantasy/fairy tale totally blew me away. I’m now eagerly working my way through her other books. Read my reviews of From Sand and Ash and The Bird and the Sword.
Engaged in Trouble by Jenny B Jones
Jones is one of my favorite authors who I can count on to make me think about deeper issues while I laugh at the foibles and hijinks of her characters. This is the first in her new cozy mystery series set in small town Arkansas featuring a washed up pop singer. Read my review.
Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig
I love all of Kendig’s military action, international intrigue novels, but this is her best yet. It’s the first of a new series and I can’t wait to read the rest of the adventures of Tox and his crew. Read my review of this series.
Can’t Help Falling by Kara Isaac
New Zealand author Isaac debuted her first book last year. Can’t Help Falling is her second release and even better than her first. I love how she weaves in C.S. Lewis tales of Narnia in this story of redemption for both the hero and heroine.
Bones for Bread by L.L. Muir
I had never heard of this author or book before but on a whim decided to give it a try. It was listed as a Regency romance but I was pleasantly surprised to find it wasn’t what I was expecting. This isn’t a sweet tale set in posh settings, but one of a woman determined to find her brother and living a secret life as a Robin Hood style outlaw.
The Ringmaster’s Wife by Kristy Cambron
Despite loving Cambron’s previous novels, I put off reading this one because I wasn’t sure I would be interested in another circus story. Boy, was I wrong. Cambron has a way of transporting and immersing her readers in the world she creates and I was engrossed in this dual timeline tale of the Ringling Brothers circus. This book is magic! Read my review.
Counted with the Stars by Connilyn Cossette
The first of a series about the events surrounding the Biblical exodus. I love the new and unique perspective of this novel featuring an Egyptian slave who reluctantly leaves Egypt with the former Hebrew slaves. Read my review.
In the Light of the Garden -Heather Burch
From her first book to the most recent, Heather Burch always surprises me with the depth and emotion of her stories about personal and family dysfunction. Read my review.
The Waves Break Gray -Sibella Giorello
This is book six in the ongoing Raleigh Harmon series. It had been four years since the last book in this series, so imagine my excitement when Waves was finally released. Mysteries are not my usual choice, but I love this series about a female forensic geologist. Now, I need to read book seven.
What are some of your favorite reads so far this year?
I’m normally not a big YA reader but The Lost Girl of Astor Street definitely caught my eye! And as I’m from Arkansas I feel obligated to try out Engaged in Trouble 😉
YA is a genre that is slowly growing on me with the help of some excellent writers including Stephanie Morrill. And yes, do give Engaged in Trouble a read. It is hysterical and the setting will probably feel very familiar to you. Thanks for stopping by!
Looks like you’ve read some spectacular books so far this year!!
Here’s a link to my TTT post for this week:
http://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2017/06/top-ten-tuesday-best-books-ive-read-in.html
I MUST say that I haven’t heard of any of these books! Which is scary, but also very refreshing haha. I have to say, the cover of Engaged in Trouble is absolutely flipping gorgeous!
I know how you feel. When I read through all the Top Ten Tuesday entries I always find books I’ve never heard of either and then my TBR list grows.
I wasn`t a big YA fan until this year. However, most of my 5 stars were YA and I`m so pleased with that. Seems like you had a good reading year so far!
http://www.carmensreadingcorner.co.uk
YA fiction is definitely growing on me. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your link. It’s hard to catch everyone on the Top Ten Tuesday lists sometimes.