So far this year I've completed 127 books. At that rate, I should read about 10 more by the end of the year. I've read thrillers, literary, historicals, biographies, even romance. (Sorry, no bonnet). So, if you're looking to give a good book this year, I have a few suggestions.
Each day this week I'll be offering Wish List Ideas in a few different categories. I'd love you to stop on by and offer your own suggestions.
To kick off the week, I'm giving Shameless Plugs to writer friends who are all very gifted. Ironically, three of the books are historical and one is romance. I don't typically read either genre, but my friends have gotten me to stretch my tastes and I thank them for that.
Making Waves - debut novel by
Lorna Seilstad. A witty historical romance set in Lake Manawa, Iowa (by Council Bluffs.) It's a story about a spunky debutante who falls for a sailing instructor rather than the wealthy but boring suitor her parents chose for her. The story takes place at what used to be a water resort/amusement park for the wealthy. Lorna gave me a tour of current-day Lake Manawa. Nothing remains of the resort. I love that Lorna has brought this historical site back to life in this fun story.
White Roses and
White Doves - debut series from
Shannon Taylor-Vannatter. Like many readers, I have a pre-conceived notion about romance novels so I tend to avoid them. Give me gritty, thought-provoking works please. But Shannon dispelled those notions. Her characters are broken human beings living authentic lives. Her first series takes place in the city of Romance, Arkansas. Another great setting.
The Famous One by
Nicole Petrino-Salter. Chronicles the life of a troubled young man propelled into super stardom, a man who earned everything, but still felt empty ... until he found the only thing,
The One who could fill that hole. I love Nicole's raw characters and her genuine portrayal of people's lives. Like to read something emotionally honest? Then check out
The Famous One.
Courting Morrow Little by
Laura Frantz. Morrow Little doesn't think she can ever forgive the Shawnee for tearing apart her family, but then she is drawn to one of their warriors. Is she betraying her family by falling for this man? Laura Frantz deftly avoided the sophomore slump in this novel. I loved her first book
The Frontiersman's Daughter as it was more than a simple historical novel. It was a literary journey. In
Courting Morrow Little, Laura takes the reader on another sweeping journey with her trademark symphonic prose. I can't wait to get her next book,
The Colonel's Lady.
The Girl in the Gatehouse by
Julie Klassen. After a scandal, a young woman is banished to a life of seclusion in a distant relative's gatehouse and puts a crimp in a military captain's perfectly formed plans. The story takes place following the Napoleonic wars. I'll admit I haven't read this yet as it doesn't come out until tomorrow, but like Laura Frantz, Julie has a musical way with words and she tells a unique story. Barring a blizzard, I'll be in line to get my autographed copy.
