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:

#10:  Echoes of Titanic by Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark

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

#9:  The Aristocrat's Lady by Mary Moore

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

#8:  An Uncommon Grace by Serena Miller

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

#7:  There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

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.

#6:  Lost and Found by Ginny Yttrup

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.

#5:  Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert

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

#4:  She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

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.

#3:  My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

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.

#2:  The Secret Keeper by Sandra Byrd

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

#1:  Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz

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

The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

Forsaking All Others by Allison Pittman

Not in the Heart by Chris Fabry

 

Book Review: Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz/5 Stars

About the book: 

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in Lancaster. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. "Love's Reckoning" is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

My thoughts:

There are few books anymore that I am wildly eager to read, but hand me a book with Laura Frantz's name on the cover, and I promise you, I will go into hiding until I've read that book from cover to cover.  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.

That was my journey with Love's Reckoning--a breathtakingly beautiful tale of a yearning love between two gentle souls.  Eden's sweet spirit was always in danger of being squashed under her father's stern manner, and Silas's quiet strength was the rock in an otherwise tumultuous household.  But their love prevailed in spite of dangerous ploys, hurtful lies, and long distances apart from one another.

I could feel the tension lurking within the walls of the Lee house because of the secret they were forced to keep or the alienation they would face in their small town.  I could sense the jealousy Elspeth felt toward Eden, even though she oftentimes got what she wanted anyway.  And I could imagine that, if Elspeth was standing right in front of me, I just might be tempted to slap her face.  There were so many feelings and emotions for me here...many more than I'm used to experiencing in a typical novel.

That, my friends, is what makes Laura's books so exceptional.  Her characters work their way into my heart and mind until their like my friends and family.  I want to invite them over for some tea or hot chocolate and talk for hours and hours.  And quite possibly, the characters from Love's Reckoning may just be my favorite.  Granted, I have loved Lael, Morrow, and especially Roxanna, but Eden and her loving soul will always leave a lasting memory.

So...bravo, Laura.  You continue to impress this reader with each and every novel you write, and I know I'm not the only one.  Our next journey with the Ballentynes can't begin soon enough.

5 Stars

**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Laura Frantz Plus Giveaway!

Y'all, we're gonna have a great time this week!  I am so excited that Laura Frantz is here for a Southern-Style Meet & Greet that I can hardly contain myself!  In the past few weeks, I've had the enormous pleasure of reading all three of her books, and let me tell ya....they are not to be missed!!

Oh, but I'm getting ahead of myself....  First, let's start with the winner of last week's giveaway of She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen.  The lucky winner is:

Patricia (plb1050@...)

Patricia, I've sent an email to you to get your mailing addy.  :o)

So, let's get right down to business, shall we?  :o)  I think y'all are gonna love this week's Meet & Greet.  Laura is an extremely gifted writer, and I have soaked up all three of her novels like a sponge.  And apparently, I'm not the only one!  She has been nominated this year for a Carol Award for Courting Morrow Little, a well-deserved honor, for sure.  That book right there will make your heart flutter, I guarantee it!  I hope y'all enjoy our little chat on my front porch with our pitcher of tea.  Thank heavens that Laura likes it sweet, too.  :o)
_______________________________

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

Since age 7, before I really knew what a writer even was. :) But I think God gifts you early oftentimes and there’s an awareness there even in childhood. I was always scribbling stories and have many that will never see the light of day. Thank heavens!

What genre do you most like to write?

Historical fiction. There’s just something so intriguing about the past and realizing we all came from people who lived centuries ago. Quite humbling and inspiring!

Laura, you do it so well, I hope you'll never cross over to a different genre!

Do your own personal experiences, or those of family and friends, ever find their way into one your stories? If it’s not too personal, do you have a funny one you can share with us?

Oh, I wish I could do funny. :) My stories are so dramatic and intense I have a hard time inserting much humor. I do think all of my novels echo family and friends. I even use historical tales passed down in my family through the generations. For example, in The Frontiersman’s Daughter I have my great-grandfather who lost a leg by wearing a too-tight boot. Character names are often taken from my family, too, such as Roxanna in The Colonel’s Lady, the name of my great-grandmother in Kentucky.

What do you hope readers “take away” with them after they read one of your books?

That God loves them despite their flaws and fears and that He can overcome any obstacle.

What is your latest book release?

My latest release is The Colonel’s Lady: In 1779, a search for her father brings Roxanna to the Kentucky frontier – but instead she discovers a young colonel, a dark secret…and a compelling reason to stay.

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?

How’s this for short and sassy ;) -

“Two sisters. One man. When he chooses one will the other destroy their love?” This is my first series which spans 100 years, or 4 generations, in one family. It begins in 1785 with an apprentice and two sisters. Sort of a mail-order groom story. I hope you and readers like it!

Oh, my!  How will I (and all your other fans) live until that one releases?!

What was the last Christian Fiction book that you read that you couldn’t put down?

Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs. Nobody writes historicals like Liz, IMHO. :)

You know, that one book gets more recommendations than any other I've seen in a long time.  It must *really* be good!

Where can readers find you on the web?

I love hearing from readers at LauraFrantz.net

What is your most favorite thing about the South?

I love big front porches, gracious people, sweet tea, hot weather, open windows, and thunderstorms. And cornbread dripping with butter. :)

Oh, yum. :o) My grandma could make some of the best.

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

Sweet, please, with a twist of lemon. :)

Coming right up!

BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef?

I have BBQ Pork in the crockpot right now.

Crockpot BBQ is the best!  (I'm so hungry now!)

Dolly Parton or Elvis Presley?

Dolly is tops. She has such a beautiful, distinct voice and is one savvy businesswoman.

Historical House—Plantation or Log Cabin?

I write a lot about cabins but most love plantations with those beautiful porches and gardens. Sigh.

Sigh is right!  I'd take one in a heartbeat if I didn't have to clean it all the time.  :o)

Country gal or city gal?

Country all the way.

You, you all, or y’all?

Y’all.
_________________________________________

Oh, I just had the loveliest time today!  I hope you did as well.  :o)  Laura, thank you so much for joining me today, and chatting about books and Southern things.  I hope you didn't get too homesick.  :o)

And folks, Laura has been so gracious to offer a copy of her newest book, The Colonel's Lady, to one person.  (And since last week's entry form didn't go as well as I'd planned, we're gonna keep things as simple as possible for contest entries.)

Here are the rules in a nutshell:

1.  Leave a comment with your email address disguised like "yourname at yourdomain dot com" or something similar.  If you do not leave an email address, I cannot include your name in the drawing...sorry.

2.  All entry comments must be left by Sunday, Sept. 11.

3. Contest is open to US residents only.

4.  Become a follower/email subscriber for an additional entry, and let me know in your comment if you're a new one or an existing one.  (No need to create a separate comment for this.  Combining everything into one comment is much easier.)  The upside?  You'll know what's happening here with future Meet & Greets...a win-win, for sure.  

Book Review: The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz/5 Stars

About the book:

Laura Frantz’s The Colonel’s Lady is historical fiction at it’s best, capturing readers with a powerful story of love, a search for the truth and, finally, forgiveness.

It’s 1779 when Roxanna arrives from Virginia to the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn. Told that her officer father has died, Roxanna suddenly finds herself penniless and destitute and is forced to take her father’s place as the fort’s scrivener. It soon becomes clear that Cassius is attracted to her, but she realizes the colonel has secrets of his own, some of which have to do with her father’s sudden death.

Can Roxanne ever love Cassius as long as the possibility remains that he was, even in some small way, involved in her father’s demise?

My thoughts:

Very rarely does a mixture of heartache, forgiveness, and love come together in a more beautiful picture than The Colonel's Lady.  Very rarely am I entranced by a book with characters that are so flawed, yet completely human.  And very rarely do I discover an author whose books are like water to my parched soul. I drank in every drop of this book, and when finished, sat back and breathed a very contented sigh of happiness. 

There are a lot of talented authors in this world, but Laura Frantz is truly in a class of her own.  She takes a period in American history wrought with strife and bloodshed, and then creates beauty from ashes with a love story that is forever enduring.  It is a love story that, at times, is painful to read because war is on the horizon, not only with the enemy, but within the hearts of several at Fort Endeavor.  But it also a story of hope that lies in the eyes of a sweet girl named Abby who captures the hearts of both the colonel and his lady.

Out of Laura's three novels, this one is by far her very best.  Early American history has never been as fascinating to me as it is when I'm reading one of her well-researched stories.  I sincerely hope that Laura will never stray from writing about this particular era of history where life-changing decisions were made for so many, but love lasted for a lifetime.  My rating is a well-deserved 5 Stars.

Southern?  Yes
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review. Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Christian Historical Fiction Authors That Aren't Allowed to Retire....

....ever.  At least, that's my opinion on the subject.  Not that they'd ever listen to me personally, but here's to hoping!  :o)

At some point in time, I've had the enormous pleasure of reading at least one book (if not several) by the authors on this list.  I have recommended their books countless times, loaned out several, and even convinced a few people at the bookstore and library that they should take home a particular book with them!  No lie...I have also been known to *semi-stalk* people at the bookstore and library to see what they grab off the shelf in the hopes that I can strike up a book conversation.

(Oh, dear, I've gotten off track....)

Ahem...  Allow me to introduce to you some of my favorite Christian Historical Fiction authors.  Maybe there's one here that you might like to try out.  :o)

*In no particular order*

Francine Rivers
Julie Lessman
Angela Hunt
Diane Noble
Laura Frantz
Sandra Byrd
Susan Page Davis
Kathleen Morgan
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Amanda Cabot
Nancy Moser
Allison Pittman
Deeanne Gist
Lynn Austin
Lisa Bergren
Robin Lee Hatcher

Book Review: Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz/4.5 Stars

About the book:

Caught between the wilderness and civilization, Morrow Little must find her way to true love

Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?

This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop you as it takes you from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness of the West.

My thoughts:

Okay, I may need a second for my heart to once again resume it's regular rhythm...  Whew!

Rarely do I have the pleasure of reading a love story as beautiful as this one.  Laura Frantz has a skill with words that very few authors can replicate.  Her ability to make me feel as though I'm in the midst of a cold, dark forest, or at the edge of a trickling lake is a wondrous feeling to experience as a reader.  And if that isn't enough, she can pull my emotions along for the wild roller coaster of a new relationship between a husband and wife.

I truly believe that the Christian fiction genre is blessed to have Laura as part of its wide repertoire of talented authors and superb novels.  If you're a fan of historical fiction set during the early beginnings of our country that's paired with authentic, three-dimensional characters, Laura Frantz is the author for you.  I guarantee you won't be disappointed.  :o)

Southern?  Yes
Sass?  No

Click here to read my review of Laura's first novel, The Frontiersman's Daughter.

Look What Arrived at My House Today! :o)

Not one great surprise, but two...The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz and tickets to see Les Miserables in September.  It doesn't get any better than that, I don't believe.  ;o)

After I started reading The Frontiersman's Daughter earlier this month, I just knew I was going to want to be a part of the blog tour for The Colonel's Lady.  Now that the book is here in the flesh (well, maybe "in the paper" is more accurate), I've got to get to reading Courting Morrow Little ASAP!  But isn't that cover just the most beautiful thing?  *happy sigh*

And not to be left out...tickets to Les Mis.  As soon as I sorted through the mail and saw them, strains of "Do You Hear the People Sing?" were already running through my head.  :o)  This will be my third time to experience Les Mis, and I cannot wait.  Oh, September 15th cannot get here soon enough!

Book Review: The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz/4.5 Stars

About the book:

One woman searches for love--and herself--in a wild land.

Lovely and high-spirited, Lael Click is the daughter of a celebrated frontiersman. Haunted by her father's ties to the Shawnee Indians and her family's past, Lael comes of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement her father founded. As she faces the many trials of life on the frontier, Lael draws strength from the rugged land. But the arrival of a handsome doctor threatens her view of her world, her God, and herself. Can the power of grace and redemption break through in this tumultuous place?

This epic novel gives you a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman who would not be defeated.

My thoughts:

It was clear to me right away why all of my friends love Laura Frantz's books. Seriously, she has got a way with words that very few authors can replicate.  It's an almost lyrical, haunting style that transported me to the back hills of Kentucky (referred to as Kentucke), and drew me into the relationships between Lael, Ma Horn, Ian, and Susanna, that it was oh-so-very-hard to turn that final page.

I couldn't help but compare The Frontiersman's Daughter to two other stories that I've watched and/or read about over and over--Christy by Catherine Marshall (book) and Dr. Quinn (tv show).  Ian reminded me a great deal of the doctor (his name escapes me, but he's also from Scotland) from Christy that had to slowly gain acceptance in an area full of superstitious people, while also silently carrying a torch for Christy herself.  Then, Lael reminded me a bit of Dr. Quinn because of her care and concern for the Indians.  Lael didn't have as much contact with them in this book as Dr. Quinn did in the tv show, but her father did when she was a young girl, and the lessons he taught her early on about them stayed with her the rest of her life.

For those who can't get enough stories about this area and these people, and also enjoy a slow-paced story, I would suggest checking out Jan Watson (Sweetwater Run and Still House Pond are two that I've read).  Personally, all these back-woods-type stories are starting to grow on me, and I know it won't be long before Courting Morrow Little makes it way into my hot little hands, quickly followed by The Colonel's Lady.  :o)  My rating is 4.5 Stars.

Southern?  Yes
Sass?  Yes