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
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 🙂