Top Reads of 2016 - Fiction

I decided to do things a little different this year...I have broken down my top reads of 2016 in a way that is probably just as confusing as can be. I beg of you to just roll with it! This year has been fantabulous when it comes to books and narrowing it down made my brain hurt! I can not believe the incredible books that I have read, the authors that I have discovered, the friends that I have made through blogging/reviewing.

Today I am listing my favorite FICTION books that I read in the year 2016. Listed alphabetically by genre, author, and then by publication date - because I am weird like that.

Contemporary

Dance Over Me - Candee Fick

Close to You - Kara Isaac

Can't Help Falling - Kara Isaac

Love Everlasting - Julie Lessman







Historical

The Thorn Bearer - Pepper D. Basham

The Thorn Keeper - Pepper D. Basham
The Thorn Healer - Pepper D. Basham

The Ringmaster's Wife - Kristy Cambron

The Captive Imposter - Dawn Crandall 
The Beautiful Pretender - Melanie Dickerson

Undaunted Hope - Jody Hedlund

Forever Safe - Jody Hedlund

Newton and Polly - Jody Hedlund
An Elegant Façade - Kristi Ann Hunter
Love's Faithful Promise - Susan Anne Mason

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder - Rachel McMillan
A Lesson in Love and Murder - Rachel McMillan

Anchor in the Storm - Sarah Sundin

Playing the Part - Jen Turano

The Governess of Highland Hall - Carrie Turansky

A Lady Unrivaled - Roseanna M. White

Novella Collection 
With This Ring?

Young Adult

The Silent Songbird - Melanie Dickerson
Leviathan Series - Scott Westerfeld

Even though there are many books that hold a special place in my heart, there are two books that have impacted more than any of the others this year. These books have made me cry multiple times, not just while reading, but months afterwards. These books are the ones that have moved my soul in such a way that I can't get their message out of my head, the characters out of my heart. They have impacted my life in ways that I can't even begin to describe. 

I fell so in love with these books that I created a new star rating in their honour. Pepper Basham and Jody Hedlund have completely blown me away this year. They have raised the bar considerably high and I can not wait to see what they bring us next.

Reading Challenge 2016 - Update

I had every intention of posting this update at the beginning of the month...However, life happened! Myself and our oldest son came down with a cold. (Only the second time I have been sick in over 2 years!) In turn, our son Ezra had his first, really REAL cold EVER!!! If you know any of our story, you will know that sickness in our house is not good! But Ezra's immune system is beginning to function and he was able to kick it with minimal extra medication! Yay! 

Have you set a reading goal for this year? I am about 38% complete with mine! If you haven't set a goal yet, it's not too late. You can jump into this challenge or create your own. But I encourage you to try branching out  a bit this year. I have had so much fun diving into other genres and authors! So much so, I completed two series in the last month and a half! (Leviathan and The Selection) I am struggling to come up with ideas for the last few slots though. I would love to hear your recommendations! 

As always,

Happy Reading! 

2016 Reading Challenge:

• A book based on a fairy tale
• The Golden Braid - Melanie Dickerson (Review)
• Cinder  - Marissa Meyer

Playing the Part - A Class of Their Own - Book 3 - Jen Turano + GIVEAWAY

When an aggressive admirer pursues Lucetta Plum, she must flee for her own safety. You will find danger, mystery and love in Playing the Part. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

About the Book

In 1884, Lucetta Plum is a well known actress on the stage in New York City. Despite her many attempts to discourage

the ever persistent Silas Ruff, he is determined to make Lucetta his. Being the strong-willed, independent woman that she is, Lucetta wishes for no man to be infatuated with her. With a new drive to possess the beautifully unique Miss Plum, Silas arrives back in New York unexpectedly. Lucetta must escape the city with none other than Mrs. Abigail Hart, the scheming matchmaker who took Harriet, Millie and Lucetta into her care. Determined to see Lucetta settled with her own grandson, Mr. Bram Haverstein, Mrs. Hart suggests they flee to his castle of Ravenwood. Surprisingly, upon their arrival Lucetta finds that Mr. Haverstein holds a particular actress in high regard. But is Lucetta really the person he believes her to be? With an unconventional staff and secretive habits, Lucetta is unsure what to make of Bram. When there appears to be some strange goings on at Ravenwood, Lucetta is convinced that the castle and it's owner are of a peculiar nature. Will their pasts and their secrets be enough to keep them apart? Or will she allow God to heal her pain, allowing her to trust again? 

My Thoughts

Jen's books are always an absolute delight to read! I have never laughed so much while reading a single book (except maybe Jen's other books). Playing the Part is not only full of witty dialogue, 

A Spy's Devotion - The Regency Spies of London Book 1 - Melanie Dickerson

When England's future is at stake, it is up to Miss Julia Grey to thwart an assassination. 

Miss Julia Grey is the epitome of propriety. She lives by society's standards and regulations. An orphan, living with her Aunt and Uncle, she has no significant inheritance to her name. However, when she overhears her Uncle Wilhern's conversation regarding a coded diary, Julia's world is turned upside down. Mr. Nicholas Langdon is an upstanding gentleman with no fortune. He has been wounded in war and has been brought home to London to heal. However, the coded diary that he promised to deliver on behalf of his dying friend, is stolen from him. With suspicions that the culprits are working with the French, he will stop at nothing to see the suspects behind bars. When Mr. Langdon meets Miss Grey he is immediately besotted, as is she. But with neither bound to inherit, it would be an unsuitable match. They are determined to live up to the standards that society demands of them. But when Julia discovers that she has the ability to aide her country, she agrees to help. Little does she know the repercussions of her actions. She will have to make a decision. Will she continue as the quiet demure woman she was raised to be? Or will she throw caution to the wind and follow her heart? 

I thoroughly enjoy reading Melanie Dickerson's books! A Spy's Devotion definitely has a different feel to it, but it is just as enjoyable as her Medieval Fairy Tale books! As one

A Worthy Heart - Courage to Dream Book 2 - Susan Anne Mason + Giveaway

With the world on the brink of war, can love and forgiveness be found by those who feel the most unworthy? 

Maggie and Gabe Montgomery have come to America to visit their brother Rylan in New York. Maggie is desperate to escape Neill Fitzgerald, her previous fiancè. Despite the circumstances, she is thrilled to finally fulfill her lifelong dream to travel. Maggie meets Rylan's brother-in-law, Adam, who has recently been released from prison. She is warned by many, Adam included, that he is not a suitable man to be seen with. But no matter what she does, she can not get Adam out of her heart. Gabe is swept off his feet as well. But by a woman whose social class far surpasses that of himself. Are they destined to be separated as soon as they meet? Or has God brought them together for a purpose that goes beyond their own understanding?

Wow! The cover for this book absolutely blew me away! I can just sit and stare at it....forever! Susan Anne Mason has done an exceptional job as the Montgomery and

The Mexican Slow Cooker - Deborah Schneider

I absolutely love Mexican cuisine! Spicy, hot, wonderful goodness for my taste buds. But, I love my Crock-Pot even more! Combine the two and you have an incredible cookbook that not only delivers delicious recipes, but takes a load of time off of prep work as well.

The contents of this cookbook include Soups, Mains, Street Food Favorites, Sides and Desserts. Deborah Schneider gives us a wonderful introduction with tips for using a slow cooker, using chilies and kitchen basics. I have already made the Enchiladas Suizas with Shredded Chicken. In one word it was: Divine! I am most excited to try Burrito Ahogado ("Wet" Burrito), Tamales with Carnitas and Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas with Salsa Verde. I enjoy reading the descriptions and notes for each section and recipe. Deborah gives us information and history regarding Mexican cuisine, tips about the ingredients used as well as substitutes and modification ideas. Most

Undaunted Hope - Beacons of Hope Book 3 - Jody Hedlund

When Tessa's hope and dreams are thwarted, she must face her deepest fears. Will she have the strength to overcome? 

Tessa hopes to outrun her past by escaping to Eagle Harbor in the fall of 1871. There she becomes the new school teacher, even though the town requested a male teacher. Percival Updegraff runs the town like a king. No one dares to stand up to him for fear of what he will do. Tessa has vowed to never step foot into another lighthouse again. But then the local light keeper, Michael Bjorklund, and his assistant and brother, Alex, begin vying for her attention. Micheal's children long for a mother, and even though Alex would sacrifice anything for his brother, can he give up the woman he loves? As winter sets in and difficulties arise, will Tessa stay strong in the face of evil? Can she overcome her fears? Will she rely on God to direct her path and protect her and those she loves?

"I choose to have hope. Will you?"

Jody Hedlund has quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors! When I pick up one of her books, I know that nothing will get done until I finish! Although, this week I did manage to make Cornish Pasties. All thanks to a little inspiration from the book. Pasties has long been a family

The Golden Braid (Hagenheim #6) - Melanie Dickerson

A classic fairy tale, re-imagined like you would never believe! Experience the story of Rapunzel through new eyes. 

Rapunzel is an accomplished artist and can throw a dagger better than anyone, however, she longs to learn how to read. When yet another young man proposes marriage to Rapunzel, Mother Gothel whisks them away to the city of Hagenheim. And her dream of learning to read might actually become a reality. When the handsome knight, Sir Gerek, saves them on the road, her opportunity to learn may be here at last! But Rapunzel has been brought up to fear everyone and everything in life. Especially men, claiming that none can be trusted. Despite this fact, Sir Gerek agrees to teach Rapunzel to read. As the story unfolds, truths are revealed, and everything Rapunzel has come to believe about herself changes. Will she find her "Happily Ever After?" Or will she allow fear to consume her as it does for so many.

The Golden Braid is not your typical "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!" re-telling of this classic fairy tale. There are deep truths and weighty lessons that resonate deep within your soul. We have all faced fears.

Until the Dawn - Elizabeth Camden

Mystery surrounds the great estate of Dierenpark. Will science be able to explain the strange happenings? Or is there a supernatural power at work?

Quentin Vandermark is of the belief that if you can't see it or touch it, then it doesn't exist. This includes God and the supernatural power his grandfather, Nickolaas Vandermark, believes is cursing Dierenpark. A tragedy occured 60 years ago and the Vandermark's left Dierenpark abandoned ever since. The family returns without notice, only to see it destroyed. Nickolaas is determined to tear down Dierenpark in hopes of demolishing the "curse" that seems to have haunted the family for centuries. Widowed and injured, Quentin brings his son Pieter with him to Dierenpark to tear down the beautiful home. He is just doing his grandfather's bidding when his life is drastically changed. At Dierenpark he meets Sophie van Riijn, Sophie is a volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau. For the last nine years she has used the roof of Dierenpark for her weather station, without the permission of the owners. Pieter immediately takes to Sophie, not having a mother of his own, he craves a motherly figure. While Quentin is all cynicism, doubt, gloom and depression. Sophie exudes life, hope, joy and faith in every ounce of her being. The past is finally brought to light, but is it in time to save Dierenpark and Quentin? Will science be able to prove the strange goings on? Will Quentin open himself up to love? Or will he brood in his misery until his last breath? 

"Above all else, love one another."

The progressive era is a fascinating time period to read. So many scientific advances and discoveries take place in this era. I am currently watching Murdoch Mysteries (Netflix). It is set in the same time as this book and the scientific progress that is witnessed is

2016 Reading Challenge

2016 Reading Challenge

Last year I read anything and everything that struck my fancy. I made it to my goal of 52 book reviews (with an extra one in there) but without much rhyme or reason. When I started seeing some reading challenges that allowed me to pick my own books, but had fun goals to meet, I immediately started my search for the perfect challenge! So I combined a couple of reading challenges that I came across and made a few personal edits to the lists. The originals can be found on Pinterest and at Bethany House Fiction. I also included the books that I am planning on reading to meet some of these goals. I set my goal a little lower this year at 36 books, but there are several books that will meet more than one goal on this list. I hope this gives you some ideas for the coming year. I have filled in several of the slots with books that I hope to read this year.