I read a lot of books in 2018 – over 100, to be exact! Some of my favorite authors released new books, and I found some new-to-me authors I really enjoyed too. I also had the opportunity to read and review 12 new books, thanks to Revell and Bethany House Publishers. Since it’s that time of year when everyone is sharing year-end lists and recaps, I thought I would share my 10 favorite books I read in 2018.

Historical Fiction

1. The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin

I’m pretty picky about historical fiction, but I love Sarah Sundin’s books! The WWII time period is one of my favorites, and she always includes just the right amount of historical detail along with great characters. This book is the first in a trilogy about three estranged brothers who all find themselves fighting on D-Day. I can’t wait for the second book, The Sky Above Us, to release on February 5, 2019!

2. Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

Joanne Bischof is another great historical fiction author! This book is a captivating story, with characters and a setting that draw you in from the first page. Nineteenth-century Appalachia isn’t a time period I knew much about, but the deeply layered characters and beautiful writing made me love this book. I’m looking forward to the sequel, Daughters of Northern Shores, that’s coming out on March 12, 2019!

Suspense

3. If I Live by Terri Blackstock

This book was the last of three in the series. I’ve been waiting for this ending for two years, and it didn’t disappoint! The concept of this series is one of the most unique and gripping I’ve ever read in the suspense genre. Casey is living as a fugitive while being hunted for a murder she didn’t commit, and it’s fascinating to see how she manages to stay alive and evade capture. This was a great conclusion to the series!

4. The Kremlin Conspiracy by Joel C. Rosenberg

This book has all the elements of a great political thriller – a former Secret Service agent, potential war with Russia, and a breathtaking cliffhanger at the end. I couldn’t put it down – it has 480 pages, but I read it in less than three days. Luckily there’s a sequel, The Persian Gamble, coming out on March 12, 2019!

Contemporary

5. No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert

Katie Ganshert is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! This book was incredible, and I love her heart behind writing it. She handles tough topics like racism and adoption with grace, and you can’t help but be moved and challenged by this story. If you’re looking for a wonderfully-written story that makes you think, you will love this book!

6. The Theory of Happily Ever After by Kristin Billerbeck

I wanted to include this one on my list because it was just plain fun to read. The characters are lovably quirky, the dialogue is witty, and the plot is a little bit crazy, but that’s what makes it so fun! If you’re looking for clean chick-lit with some substance, you can’t go wrong with anything by Kristin Billerbeck.

7. Falling for You by Becky Wade

This is the second book in Becky Wade’s Bradford Sisters series. It’s a sweet story of faith, family, forgiveness, love, and little bit of mystery. I wrote a little bit longer review earlier this year – you can read it here. I’m excited for the third and final book, Sweet on You, to come out on April 30, 2019!

8. Wait for Me by Susan May Warren

If you’ve read more than a couple posts on this blog, you probably know that I absolutely love Susan May Warren! This was the epic conclusion to her Montana Rescue series. Her books have it all – action and adventure, suspense, romance, and authentic faith. You can read my more detailed review here!

Nonfiction

9. 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson

At over 400 pages, this one took me a while to read, but it was worth it! Jordan Peterson was a cultural phenomenon in 2018, and after reading this book I can see why. I don’t necessarily agree with everything he says, but the book definitely made me think! One thing that was really interesting to me was how much he talks about the Bible, but from more of an academic standpoint than a spiritual one. Overall, he talked about a lot of good ideas and principles that I’m going to be thinking about for quite a while.

10. Dance, Stand, Run: The God-Inspired Moves of a Woman on Holy Ground by Jess Connolly

A lot of times as Christians, we can either focus primarily on grace or holiness – but to live an abundant live, we need both. I love this line from the back cover: “Dance, Stand, Run is an invitation to the daughters of God to step into the movements of abundant life: dancing in grace, standing firm in holiness, and running on mission.” When we truly understand God’s grace towards us, it makes us want to become more like Him and live in holiness to honor Him. I really enjoyed Jess’ style of writing and teaching, as well as the subject of this book! This is one I will be re-reading and taking notes to really soak it in

Bonus

Favorite author I discovered this year — Carrie Stuart Parks! So far I’ve read the first two books in her Gwen Marcey series, and her newest book, Formula of Deception. Gwen Marcey and Murphy, the main character in Formula of Deception, are forensic artists who are involved in solving some fascinating cases – and the characters themselves are fascinating too! The stories are unpredictable and fast-paced, the perfect ingredients for great suspense.

Thanks for reading along in 2018! I will be back in 2019 with more book reviews, and maybe some other posts too 🙂

What were some of your favorite books from 2018? Let me know in the comments! I’m always looking for new books to add to my reading list 🙂

I am so excited to be sharing this review today – Susan May Warren is one of my all-time favorite authors, and her latest book Wait for Me was as fantastic as usual!

The Basics

Title: Wait for Me by Susan May Warren

Series: Montana Rescue series (Book 6 of 6)

Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary Romance

From the Back Cover: Pete Brooks can’t believe he’s waited an entire year for Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart by getting engaged to her ex-fiancé. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job have cost lives, and Pete isn’t sure he wants to continue to work in Search and Rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward. 

EMT Jess Tagg has returned to Montana to finally give her heart to Pete, but it seems he’s no longer interested. When a terrible fight between them sparks an impulsive decision, she finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with Esme Shaw. And just when she thinks things couldn’t get any worse, she and Esme are taken captive and into the untamed Montana wilderness–with murderous intent. 

Now Pete and the other PEAK Rescue Team members are in a race against time, the elements, and the actions of a vengeful man. Pete will have to use everything he’s learned to find Jess and Esme–and pray that his past mistakes don’t cost him the life of the woman he can’t stop loving.

My Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about Susan May Warren’s books! I always make sure to pre-order her new releases, and her books fill a whole shelf on my bookcase. She is one of my all-time favorite authors, and I was so excited for the chance to read her newest book before it released on November 6!

Wait for Me is the epic conclusion to the Montana Rescue series. It takes us from the wilderness of Montana to New York and Paris, and catches us up with the other characters we’ve come to love. If a series has to end, it can’t have a better ending than this!  Pete and Jess’ story has been one of my favorites as we’ve seen pieces throughout the series, and now they finally have their own book. We finally get the whole story about what has happened between them over the last year – what drove them apart, and what will have to happen in each of their hearts to bring them back together.

One of my favorite things about Susan May Warren’s books is how she writes such authentic characters and weaves their faith in so naturally. Pete is a bold hero, willing to do whatever it takes to rescue people in danger, especially the woman he loves. He just can’t seem to get Jess out of his heart, even after she’s broken it – and that leaves him vulnerable. Jess, for her part, feels caught between two worlds and is just trying not to hurt anyone else – she has to learn who she really is and what love really means. I also really enjoyed Ned and Shae’s story, and the element of suspense with a plot twist at the end I didn’t see coming!

Wait for Me is the perfect combination of two love stories wrapped up in an epic, heart-pounding adventure that you won’t be able to put down. You don’t want to miss this series!

I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Revell!

Today’s book review features another suspense novel – HIdden Peril by Irene Hannon!

The Basics

Title: Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon

Series: Book 2 in the Code of Honor Series

Genre: Christian romantic suspense

From the Back Cover: As teenagers, Kristin Dane and her two best friends took a vow to make the world a better place. Twenty years later, she’s fulfilling that pledge through her fair trade shop that features products from around the world. All is well until, one by one, people connected to the shop begin dying. 

Detective Luke Carter, new to the St. Louis PD, wants to know why. Before he can answer that question, however, the FBI weighs in and Kristin suddenly finds herself in the middle of international intrigue–and in the sights of the ruthless mastermind behind an ingenious and deadly, scheme. Can this cold-blooded killer be stopped before more people die . . . including Kristin?

My Review

I’ve read and enjoyed several of Irene Hannon’s other books, most recently her Men of Valor series. Hidden Peril is the second book in her newest series, but it can easily be read on its own (I haven’t read the first book yet!). If you read this one first though, you will probably want to go back and read the first one – just because she’s such a great suspense writer! The series follows a group of three friends, with each book focusing on one of them, which is a fun way to tie the series together.

Irene Hannon does a great job of weaving together the suspense, romance, and faith aspects of her stories. The combination keeps you turning pages and leaves you feeling encouraged! This book also had a terrorism plot mixed in, which adds another layer of nail-biting action. Overall, I enjoyed this fast-paced, clean suspense story with authentic, relatable characters and just the right details to be believable. If you enjoy the suspense genre, I definitely recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Revell!

The Basics

Title: A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson (Georgia Coast Romance)

Genre: Christian historical romance

My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

From the Back Cover: Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan’s great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins’ palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie’s great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .

My Review

I had never heard of Liz Johnson before reading A Sparkle of Silver, but I’m so glad I’ve heard of her now! This was a split-time story, which I love. It takes us between Ben and Millie’s story in the present and her great-grandmother’s journal from the 1920s. Mystery, romance, history, and family come together beautifully in this a rich, delightful story!

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. They were written so well, I felt like I was right there with them, searching for treasure in beautiful coastal Georgia! I loved seeing Ben and Millie’s friendship develop as they worked together to find the treasure and discover the truth about her family. They faced some serious challenges, both from their pasts and in the present, but ended up with a beautiful happy ending in every way.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series, A Glimmer of Gold, releasing August 2019! If you enjoy books by Rachel Hauck, Susan May Warren, or Becky Wade, you will love A Sparkle of Silver!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Revell!

Title: Hope Your Heart Needs: 52 Encouraging Reminders of How God Cares for You by Holley Gerth

Genre: Devotional

My Rating: 4/5 stars

I really enjoyed Holley’s book Fiercehearted last year, so I was excited to read her new devotional book, Hope Your Heart Needs. It’s smaller than I expected, but it’s the perfect size to fit in your purse or bring with you while traveling. Every devotional describes a different aspect of who God is with a verse, a story or illustration, and a prayer.

I really loved the premise of the book: that the hope, peace, and purpose we’re all searching for can’t be found in our friends, social media, or hustling to create more, do more, and be more. Only understanding the character of God and getting to know Him better can truly provide the hope our hearts need.

The conversational tone of this book makes it easy to read, and the entries are short but poignant. It would be a great book for a new believer or for someone who has walked with Him for years. If you need some encouragement in your walk with God, I would recommend this book!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Revell Reads and Baker Publishing Group!

Today I’m excited to share with you about a new book that just released: A Secret to Die For by Lisa Harris!

The Basics

Title: A Secret to Die For by Lisa Harris

Genre: Christian romantic suspense

My Rating: 4/5 stars

From the Back Cover

Psychologist Grace Callahan has no idea that she has a secret–one worth killing for. But when she finds out one of her clients has been murdered, she quickly realizes that the computer security specialist wasn’t simply suffering from paranoia.

Detective Nate Quinn has just been cleared for active duty after a bombing killed eighteen people, including his partner, and left him dealing with PTSD. His first case back on the job involves the murder of Stephen Shaw, and his only lead turns out to be an old friend, Grace Callahan–and her life is in grave danger. Someone believes Shaw gave his psychologist information before he died. Information they are willing to kill for.

With her signature pulse-pounding suspense, Lisa Harris takes readers deep into the heart of fear in this race against the clock.

My Thoughts

Lisa Harris is becoming one of my favorite suspense authors! (You can see my review of her last book here.) I was excited for the chance to read her newest book, A Secret to Die For. She is great at combining action-packed scenes that keep you flipping pages with deep, layered characters while incorporating their faith in a way that feels authentic.

The two main characters, psychologist Grace Callahan and Detective Nate Quinn, have both experienced major personal tragedies. Now, as they encounter one dangerous situation after another, they have to face their grief together. The action is nonstop from the first page, as they race to discover what information Grace has that someone is willing to kill for. The plot was unique and unpredictable – I had no idea who was behind everything until the end!

If you like suspense, romance, and faith all wrapped up in one nail-biting package, you will love this book! I would recommend this book to fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Terri Blackstock.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Revell and Baker Publishing Group!

Title: Called to Protect by Lynette Eason

Series: Book 2 in the Blue Justice Series

Genre: Christian romantic suspense

My Rating: 4.5/5

From the back cover: After being dumped by her fiancé, Chloe St. John has decided that the only male she likes is her K-9 German shepherd partner, Hank. But being over the whole romance thing has perks–like giving full attention to her job. Attention she’s definitely going to need because a case of human trafficking with connections to her missing cousin just landed in her lap.

Deputy US Marshall Blake MacCallum is in a race against the clock to rescue his kidnapped daughter when Chloe and Hank are asked to be a part of the task force assembled to bring down the traffickers. Chloe finds herself attracted to the silent, suffering man. But can she trust him? And can Blake trust himself around this firecracker of a woman?

Buckle in. This fast and furious ride will have your heart pumping from the very start.

This is second book in Lynette Eason’s Blue Justice series, and I liked it even better than the first one! The story follows the St. Johns, a law enforcement family we were introduced to in the last book. This book focuses on one of the sisters, Chloe, but also gives us glimpses of the other family members.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the great characters! I thought the relationship and budding romance between Chloe and Blake was handled really well. I also loved reading about Chloe’s K-9 partner, Hank – he played an integral role in every step of the investigation, and it was interesting to learn a little bit more about that part of law enforcement.

This is not a typical suspense novel! There are unique elements throughout, from the situation Blake faces with his kidnapped daughter, to the plot that revolves around human trafficking. Lynette Eason does a great job with that tough subject matter, and with the action – it’s hard to stop after “just one more chapter!” This is a great book to add to your summer reading list.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Revell Books!

Falling for You by Becky Wade

“Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family’s small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin–and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he’s never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he’s determined to make her give him a second chance.

When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they’re forced to confront their past and who they’ve become–and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.”

Becky Wade is becoming one of my favorite authors with her Bradford Sisters series! I loved the prequel novella (Then Came You – free on Kindle!) and the first book in the series, True to You (available on Kindle Unlimited).

One of the reasons I loved this book is that it goes deep – with the reconciliation between Corbin and Willow, the healing of Corbin’s relationship with his dad, and the relationships between the three Bradford sisters. It’s a fun, clean, sweet romance, but it’s not fluffy or shallow. The characters feel relatable, like real people with real issues to deal with, and Becky Wade does a great job of weaving their stories together! There’s also a little bit of suspense and mystery involved as Corbin and Willow help his niece investigate the disappearance of her grandmother’s sister. It’s fun to see how working together helps mend their relationship, and the added bonus is that they’re able to help bring answers to the family of the missing woman.

If you like Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck, or Melissa Tagg, you will love the Bradford Sisters Romance series by Becky Wade. You can connect with her on her website or on her Facebook page.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Bethany House!