Sunday, December 30, 2012

Top Ten Books of 2012

So, this year's list wasn't too difficult for me to narrow down considering I've only managed to read about 60 books this year (setting up a new Etsy business stole a LOT of my reading time), but honestly, some of these books are some of the BEST I've ever read!  I tried to venture a little farther outside my comfort zone of historical fiction this year to read more contemporary, suspense, and YA books, and it definitely paid off.  Also, a couple of these are not 2012 releases, but I figure that's probably ok.  :o) 

Out of the 60 books I read, 15 were 5-Star reads.  For each of the ones I've included on the list, there's a little snippet from my book review, as well as the link to complete review if you'd like more information about each title.

Going from #10 to #1, here are my Top Ten books of 2012:



Echoes of Titanic was a great blend of mystery and history that had me glued to the pages for two solid days.



I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a Regency novel more than I enjoyed this one.



An Uncommon Grace was a very intriguing story that was both entertaining and satisfying.



Jenny has managed to write a witty, sassy, yet quite painful, novel that had me on an emotional roller coaster that I didn't want to end.



There are so many layers to the story and characters that as you go deeper and deeper, it is impossible to not be affected in some way.



Few authors capture the raw tension and depth of emotion that Katie Ganshert has in her debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter.



Siri's portrayal of a young 17-year-old debutante hoping to catch the hand of uber-rich Franklin de Vries was both entertaining as well as heartbreaking.



I loved the redemptive theme and the unfailing love of God that was present in every chapter. But if the truth be told, I really, really loved the romance.



I have been so impressed with all of Sandra's books over the years, but historical fiction is where her talents shine the brightest.



When I had no choice at times but to place my bookmark inside this haunting novel, my heart just ached to be back within its pages.

***

Honorable Mentions


 
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29 comments:

  1. Rel Mollet12/30/2012 7:53 PM

    Great list, Christy! I'm almost ready to post mine :) We have a couple of the same ones!

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    1. Unknown12/30/2012 7:54 PM

      Thanks, Rel! Can't wait to see yours! :o)

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  2. Casey12/30/2012 8:07 PM

    There You'll Find Me was a great story...and I'm SO glad you joined contemp this year to grab Katie and Becky's books. Two of my very favorites this year too! I have Lost and Found and just need to read it! Sigh...so little time these days. ;)

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    1. Unknown12/30/2012 8:36 PM

      Me, too, Casey...I'm surprised at how many I've connected with. Some real gems out there. :)

      And I hope you can find time to read Lost & Found soon - it blew me away when I least expected.

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  3. KatieGanshert12/30/2012 8:09 PM

    I'm so honored and encouraged, Christy!! Thanks for including Wildflowers!

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    1. Unknown12/30/2012 8:37 PM

      You're welcome, Katie! Can't wait until your next book releases! :o)

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  4. Laura J. Davis12/30/2012 8:45 PM

    Great list Christy! I think I have read only one of the books you listed, so I have a lot to choose from!

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    1. Unknown12/30/2012 9:25 PM

      So nice to see you, Laura! Don't worry...I've been ashamed of how few books I've read on other folks' Top Ten List this year. I've got a lot of catching up to do in 2013! :o)

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  5. Beth12/30/2012 9:03 PM

    Love's Reckoning was one of my most favorites this year! I just couldn't stop reading it :)

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    1. Unknown12/30/2012 9:26 PM

      I hear ya, Beth...me, either! It was a book I didn't want to end. *sigh*

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  6. Amber Holcomb12/30/2012 9:36 PM

    Love your list! I've read 7 of them, and they are great reads! I especially loved There You'll Find Me, She Walks in Beauty, Wildflowers from Winter, and Love's Reckoning. :)

    Even though I'm sorry to hear your Etsy business stole some valuable reading time, I am grateful for the pretty jewelry you've made! :)

    Here's to some great reads in 2013!

    ~Amber

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    1. Unknown12/30/2012 9:48 PM

      Thanks for stopping by, Amber! Yes, Etsy has been a very time-consuming side job, but I'm so very thankful for the rewards thus far. :)

      Like you, can't wait to see what 2013 brings!

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  7. Becky Wade12/30/2012 9:43 PM

    Hi, Christy! I'm so pleased and honored to see that My Stubborn Heart made your "Top 10 Books of 2012" list. Thank you very much!

    That both the faith story and the love story resonated with you means a lot to me -- because that's exactly my goal with my books.

    Happy (almost) New Year to you! -Becky

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    1. Unknown12/30/2012 9:52 PM

      Becky, I just love it when authors stop by to leave a quick little comment! Yours and Katie's words of thanks mean so much to me as well. :)

      Happy New Year to you and your family, too!

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  8. Rissi12/30/2012 10:15 PM

    YAY! Got mine going up tomorrow. My tastes are very easy-to-please so sometimes I think my picks are a bit pathetic in comparison to all of you book blogger greats. LOL! Cannot believe I didn't have Jenny and Becky's on mine! Must add those two now. That is an oversight not easily forgiven. :D

    Happy 2013, Christy! Looking forward to your reviews and advice then. :)

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    1. Unknown1/02/2013 10:20 PM

      Rissi, thank you so much for stopping by! Your name always brings a smile on my face when I see it here. :)

      I must admit...I'm almost embarrassed that you referred to me as a "blogger great." I've been away from regular blogging for so long that I feel like a newbie all over again! And for the record...your 2012 faves were great!

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  9. Carissa12/30/2012 10:43 PM

    There you'll find me and Love's Reckoning were awesome books.

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    1. Unknown1/02/2013 10:20 PM

      I agree, Carissa. :) I can't wait to read more of Jenny's books, and of course, the release date for Laura's next book can't get here soon enough!

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  10. Jessica R. Patch12/31/2012 8:24 AM

    I've read a handful of those and loved them. I couldn't do a top ten pick. I loved so many books I read! :) Great line-up! Happy New Year!

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    1. Unknown1/02/2013 10:22 PM

      Jessica, sometimes it's *REALLY* hard to narrow it down to 10, so adding a few extra at the end as HM's helps tremendously. :)

      Happy New Year to you, too!

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  11. Siri Mitchell12/31/2012 11:28 AM

    I feel so honored that my book is on your list and I'm so delighted that you enjoyed it! {plus I picked up some great reads to add to my list!!!}

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    1. Unknown1/02/2013 10:24 PM

      Siri, I feel so honored just because you've stopped by!! Thank you oh-so-much! I know I'm not alone when I say that your next release looks fabulous, and I can't wait to dive right in!

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  12. Janet12/31/2012 5:30 PM

    Thanks for the great list. Can't wait to get started on your picks.

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  13. Whitney12/31/2012 7:49 PM

    Thanks for the list. Wow. I know these are some goodies. Laura Frantz has been on my "must read" list for a long time, but for some reason, I haven't picked one of her books up yet. I think her books are right up my alley; it is wonderful to find a book you can't tear yourself away from, that you're thinking about when you aren't able to read it, but when you like a story that much, you're so invested in the characters-- there is such a big commitment. Odd though that statement may be, I think it's true. It always takes me a week or so to "get over" a truly good book, and I think that's one reason I'm waiting on Frantz. Just coming off a high from reading The Doctor's Lady in two days, which is pretty good for me. A new favorite book and maybe even author for me.

    P.S., I found Southern Sassy Things a week or so ago and love it. The blog runs slow on my pc, though... not sure why.

    Looking forward to what you have in store for 2013. Happy New Year.

    Whitney

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  14. Laura Frantz12/31/2012 9:39 PM

    Christy! Late to the party but THRILLED nonetheless:) Love all the comments and fun here. You really read across the spectrum and your commentary on each of these books really shines. It's no secret your reviews are among my very favorites. If authors had TOP TEN READER lists, you know where you'd be:)

    And I have to give a HUGE shout out to your Etsy shop. I wore the beautiful jewelry you made on my travels recently so felt I took you with me - and rec'd many compliments! Thanks for giving of your time and talents to so many.

    In Him,
    Laura

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  15. Sandra Byrd1/01/2013 1:33 PM

    Thank you for including The Secret Keeper, Christy! I very much appreciate you and your thoughtful reviews. xxoo

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  16. Mary Moore1/01/2013 2:11 PM

    Christy,

    Thanks so much for including The Aristocrat's Lady in your list. I'm certainly humbled to be included among the ones you chose. And I found two new ones I have to get hold of!

    Thanks Christy, your site is a blast!
    In Him,
    Mary Moore

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  17. Janet1/02/2013 9:58 AM

    I made a list to print to carry with me to the library. I thought others might appreciate a graphic-free list.

    Echoes of Titanic by Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark
    The Aristocrat's Lady by Mary Moore
    An Uncommon Grace by Serena Miller
    There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
    Lost and Found by Ginny Yttrup
    Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert
    She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell
    My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
    The Secret Keeper by Sandra Byrd
    Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz
    The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren
    Forsaking All Others by Allison Pittman
    Not in the Heart by Chris Fabry

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  18. Jenny B. Jones1/02/2013 8:17 PM

    Thanks so much for putting There You'll Find Me on your list. I've heard great things about so many of these books you mentioned. Must check them out! Have a great year, girl!

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I love your comments!! They make me happier than cold sweet tea on a hot summer day! :o)

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