2017 Book Reviews
1. Elantris (audiobook narrated by Jack Garrett)
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Books, April 2005
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 638
Rating: 8
Sanderson’s debut novel. Here’s a description from brandonsanderson.com: “Story of a man who catches a terrible magical disease, and is thrown into a prison city for those with that disease. He tries to unravel the world’s magic system (which is now non-functional, and potentially the source of the disease) while surviving in terrible circumstances and trying to bring civilization back to those locked in the city with him.”
2. Warbreaker (audiobook narrated by Alyssa Bresnahan)
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Books, June 2009
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 592; 25 hours on audio
Rating: 8.5
Another amazing world, magic system, and story by Sanderson. This one has some adult content that made me nervous, but he thankfully kept it behind my line. I would recommend for adults only.
3. Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Author: Daniel James Brown
Publisher: Penguin, 2014
Genre: History
Pages: 404
Rating: 9
“Out of the depths of the Depression comes an irresistible story about beating the odds and finding hope in the most desperate of times.”
4. The Ghost Map: The Story of London’s Most Terrifying Epidemic—and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World
Author: Steven Johnson
Publisher: Riverhead Books, October 2007
Genre: Medicine/History
Pages: 328
Rating: 9
This examines the London cholera outbreak of 1854 and the investigations of Dr. John Snow (a local physician) and Henry Whitehead (a local curate). The science is understandable but deep enough to revitalize my inner biology geek. Loved this book.
5. Edgedancer (Stormlight Novella in Arcanum Unbounded)
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Books, November 2016
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 135 in Arcanum Unbounded, 272 as a stand-alone hardcover
Rating: 9
Lift is one of my favorite Sanderson characters, so it was a treat to have a whole story just about her! Contains spoilers, so read after you’ve read Words of Radiance.
6. And Then There Were None
Author: Agatha Christie
Publisher: William Morrow, 2011 (1939)
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 300
Rating: 8
I had to read this in one sitting. It was driving me crazy, trying to figure out the mystery!
7. The Path Between the Seas (audiobook narrated by Nelson Runger)
Author: David McCullough
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: History
Pages: 698 (31 hours 38 minutes on audio)
Rating: 7.5
An in-depth look at the history and building of the Panama Canal. I loved learning about this marvel of engineering, though I would probably have retained more in book form, especially with all the French names. This book is what piqued my interest in Theodore Roosevelt.
8. Valentine’s Day Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology, Book 19)
Author: Janette Rallison, Heather B. Moore, Jenny Proctor, Annette Lyon, Heather Tullis, Sarah M. Eden.
Publisher: Mirror Press, February 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 295
Rating: 7.5
Novellas just leave me wishing the story was longer…but I guess that indicates they’re good!
9. Mistletoe collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology, Book 14)
Author: Cindy Roland Anderson, Annette Lyon, Julie Coulter Bellon, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, Jennifer Griffith
Publisher: Mirror Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 362
Rating: 7.5
Filling time with novellas while I wish for a full length Sarah Eden book…
10. Steelheart: The Reckoners, Book 1 (audiobook narrated by MacLeod Andrews)
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Audible Studios, September 2013
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 12 hours 42 minutes (416 pages)
Rating: 8
Set in near-future Chicago, the world is now ruled by super villains, resisted only by a shadowy group of rebels knows as The Reckoners. I got a little obsessed listening to this one, so I ordered the rest of the series in paperback before I even finished listening. Also, I didn’t love the reader; I’d suggest reading it yourself over listening.
11. Firefight: The Reckoners, Book 2
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Ember, January 2016
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 448
Rating: 8
Glad I got this one in book form, although my household may have suffered as a result… Sanderson keeps the pages turning!
12. Calamity: The Reckoners, Book 3
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Ember, February 2017
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 448
Rating: 8
Conclusion of the series. Good thing there were only 3… I read these pretty fast.
13. British Isles Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 15)
Author: Sarah M. Eden
Publisher: Mirror Press, November 2015
Genre: Regency
Pages: 333
Rating: 8
Two novellas from one of my very favorite authors.
14. A Fine Gentleman
Author: Sarah M. Eden
Publisher: Covenant Communications, March 2017
Genre: Regency
Pages: 256
Rating: 8
Finally a new full length Eden! :) Another of the Jonquil brothers (Jason) meets his match. This series starts with The Kiss of a Stranger and is loosely tied to the Lancaster Family series (starts with Seeking Persephone). It can stand alone, but you’ll be wondering why you weren’t properly introduced to some of the characters.
15. Failsafe (Guardian Series, Book 1)
Author: Traci Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications, April 2015
Genre: Suspense
Pages: 288
Rating: 8
NSA operatives, killers circling ever-closer, and a little romance.
16. Pimpernel
Author: Sheralyn Pratt
Publisher: Wicked Sassy, January 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Suspense
Pages: 278
Rating: 8.5
Contemporary rethink of the classic master of disguises. I really enjoyed this one!
17. His Personal Relationship Manager (Dating By Design 1)
Author: Jennifer Peel
Publisher: Jennifer Peel, January 2016
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 301
Rating: 8
Online dating taken to a whole new level.
18. Lone Star Dad
Author: Linda Goodnight
Publisher: Love Inspired, October 2016
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Pages: 224
Rating: 7.5
Dealing with chronic pain and drug dependence/addiction, raising a teenage nephew. I enjoyed this book, though I felt the recovery process was way too easy and quick.
19. The Five Times I Met Myself
Author: James L. Rubart
Publisher: Thomas Nelson, November 2015
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 398
Rating: 9
Everyone has regrets. What would you change about your life if you could do it over? Are you sure?
20. A Viscount’s Proposal (Regency Spies of London, Book 2)
Author: Melanie Dickerson
Publisher: Waterfall Press, February 2017
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 290
Rating: 7.5
Outspoken young woman and straight-laced viscount thrown together by circumstance and hounded by a saboteur.
21. Kept Secrets
Author: Traci Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications, October 2016
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 288
Rating: 8
CIA agent reunites with his high school sweetheart, but their whirlwind wedding won’t change the fact that he can’t disclose his occupation. Can he keep his secret and keep her safe?
22. Burdens of a Bachelor (Arrangements, Book 5)
Author: Rebecca Connolly
Publisher: Phase Publishing, April 2017
Genre: Regency
Pages: 290
Rating: 8
I enjoyed discovering Colin’s backstory. This is probably my favorite in the series. First book is An Arrangement of Sorts.
23. Miss Whitaker Opens Her Heart
Author: Jennifer Moore
Publisher: Covenant Communications, April 2017
Genre: Regency
Pages: 224
Rating: 8.5
A refreshing change of venue to regency era Australia and the social issues both similar and different from England’s at the time.
24. Alexander Hamilton
Author: Ron Chernow
Publisher: Penguin Books, March 2005
Genre: Biography
Pages: 832
Rating: 9
Wow. I read this for book club in the middle of listening to John Adams by McCullough, and it was fascinating to see different sides of the same story. As much as I have grown to appreciate John Adams, I really didn’t want to like Hamilton the man. But I do. And I haven’t seen the musical. Yet.
25. Wrong For You
Author: Jenny Proctor
Publisher: Covenant Communications, May 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 256
Rating: 8.5
I love the sporty theme, the strong personalities, and the brotherly camaraderie
26. Chance For Home
Author: Traci Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications, April 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 248
Rating: 8.5
Sequel to Chances Are, which was also a great read. It was interesting to see inside the life of a pro baseball player.
27. A Man Called Ove
Author: Fredrik Backman
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 337
Rating: 9
Fresh, funny, sad, Swedish, happy. Great message and I absolutely love this grumpy old man. Every life has value and meaning. Adult themes (attempted suicides) and some profanity.
28. A Heart Revealed
Author: Josi Kilpack
Publisher: Shadow Mountain, April 2015
Genre: Regency
Pages: 336
Rating: 9
Kilpack does a great job developing these characters. This was a re-read, and I enjoyed it just as much the second time.
29. The Heiress of Winterwood (Whispers On The Moor Book 1)
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Publisher: Thomas Nelson, April 2013
Genre: Regency
Pages: 313
Rating: 8.5
Heiress proposes marriage to her ward’s fresh-from-the-sea father—though he is a complete stranger and she is already betrothed to another—in hopes of keeping the infant.
30. The Headmistress of Rosemere (Whispers On The Moor Book 2)
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Publisher: Thomas Nelson, January 2014
Genre: Regency
Pages: 319
Rating: 8.5
Spinster headmistress of Rosemere School for Young Ladies tends to her landlord when he turns up injured on her doorstep late at night. William Sterling has little knowledge of his tenant or her school, but after their encounter, he aims to learn more.
31. A Lady at Willowgrove Hall (Whispers On The Moor Book 3)
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Publisher: Thomas Nelson, October 2014
Genre: Regency
Pages: 344
Rating: 8.5
Cecily Faire, companion to the Lady of Willowgrove Hall, and Nathaniel Stanton, Willowgrove’s steward, are drawn to each other. Will their individual secrets about the past pull them together or keep them apart?
32. Mistakenly Married (Married Series Book 3)
Author: Victorine E. Lieske
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, March 2016
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 248
Rating: 8
Nice, clean romcom starting with a quick Las Vegas wedding and a double case of mistaken identity.
33. Blissfully Married (Married Series Book 4)
Author: Victorine E. Lieske
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, September 2016
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 240
Rating: 7.5
Another clean romcom diversion from Lieske. Professional matchmaker puts on a fake engagement ring to boost business and steer clear of her childhood crush.
34. The Queen of Attolia (The Queen’s Thief Book 2)
Author: Megan Whalen Turner
Publisher: Greenwillow, April 2000
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 416
Rating: 9.5
Clever, well-written, witty, unpredictable. One of my very favorite books, and one I love to re-read. Start with The Thief or you’ll miss out. Book 3 The King of Atolia is also must-read.
35. Thick as Thieves (Queen’s Thief Book 5)
Author: Megan Whalen Turner
Publisher: Greenwillow, May 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 352
Rating: 7
Maybe my expectations were just too high, considering how I adore Books 1-3. It was still a decent read, but not nearly as captivating as the others, even book 4.
36. The Orphan Keeper
Author: Camron Wright
Publisher: Shadow Mountain, October 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 432
Rating: 9.5
Wright’s prose shines in this story of Chellamuthu, an Indian boy kidnapped and sold into adoption to an American family. I loved this book as much as The Rent Collector. Both are must-reads.
37. Left To Tell: Discovering God Amid the Rwandan Holocaust
Author: Immaculée Ilibagiza
Publisher: Hay House, April 2014
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 256
Rating: 8
Not for the faint-hearted. This is Immaculée’s first-hand account of surviving the Rwandan genocide of 1994 through her faith in God. Highly recommended, but gritty.
38. Oleander Girl: A Novel
Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, March 2013
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 304
Rating: 7.5
Headstrong young woman Korobi Roy leaves her family home in Kolkata to unravel the mystery of her parentage.
39. Arcanum Unbounded (audiobook by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading)
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 22 hours 31 minutes (672 beautiful pages in hardcover)
Rating: 8
I bought this in hardback primarily so I could read Edgedancer the first moment it was available, but I had some extra Audible credits so…
This was a nice break from my usual NF audiobooks. It’s a collection of Sanderson’s “Cosmere” short stories and novellas, some of which I would never have sought out but really enjoyed, White Sand foremost. Wish there was more of that!
40. John Adams
Author: David McCullough
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio, November 2005
Genre: Biography
Pages: 30 hours 1 minute (752 in paperback)
Rating: 9
McCullough has converted me into a John Adams enthusiast, Adams’ faults notwithstanding. His and Abigail’s love and relationship and dependence on each other makes me want to be a better spouse and friend. I bought this after watching the HBO series based on this book, and I loved the further depth and understanding I found. I’m amazed all over again at this great country having been formed by imperfect, flawed, and (sometimes even) foolish men—under heavenly direction.
41. An Inconvenient Beauty (Hawthorne House Book 4)
Author: Kristi Ann Hunter
Publisher: Bethany House, September 2017
Genre: Regency
Pages: 386
Rating: 8
Stodgy Griffith decides it’s finally time to take a bride. Using logic he pinpoints the perfect candidate, but his efforts at courting keep getting derailed by a different woman--beautiful Isabella. I liked this one more than book 3.
42. With You Always
Author: Jodi Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House, June 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 368
Rating: 7.5
Elise Neumann, an 18-year-old orphan and oldest child, must leave her sisters behind in New York to seek a job with the Children’s Aid Society sending children out west on their orphan trains.
43. No Other Will Do (Ladies of Harper’s Station Book 1)
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House, June 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction/Western
Pages: 368
Rating: 8
Emma Chandler was brought up to believe men were optional, but when her women’s colony in the Wild West is repeatedly attacked, she knows they need the protection of a man—and there’s just one man for the job.
44. Heart on the Line (Ladies of Harper’s Station Book 2)
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House, June 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction/Western
Pages: 338
Rating: 8.5
Harper’s Station’s telegraph operator is hiding from the man responsible for her father’s death. I loved the banter “on the line” and learning more about the telegraph system.
45. Love Remains (Hope Springs Series)
Author: Sarah M. Eden
Publisher: Mirror Press, September 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction/Western
Pages: 372
Rating: 9.5
I have loved all of the Hope Springs books, but this one was even better than the others. Learn about the rise of Braille and the struggles of the blind on the American frontier and so much more. One of Eden’s best!
46. A Bride Worth Taking (Arrangements Book 6)
Author: Rebecca Connelly
Publisher: Phase Publishing, July 2017
Genre: Regency
Pages: 294
Rating: 7.5
Maryanne and Kit. Taming of the Shrew-esque. Another entertaining story in the Arrangements series.
47. Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President
Author: Candice Millard
Publisher: Anchor Books, 2012
Genre: History
Pages: 432
Rating: 9
The name James A. Garfield barely registered in my brain as a former President of the US before I picked up this book. What a fascinating man! I only wish he would have lived to fulfill his term, because I think he’d have done great things.
48. Oathbringer (Stormlight Book 3)
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Books
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 1248
Rating: 7.5
Too-high expectations probably account for my moderate rating here. The Way of Kings is a solid 10, Words of Radiance is a 9, but this one kind of dragged on for me. That, combined with Sanderson’s delving into a few slightly bawdy (and, I thought, unnecessary) references made for a middle-of-the-series slump. Still a good book, but slightly disappointing. I listened to part of it, and the audiobook is great, as usual, with Kate Reading and Michael Kramer narrating.
49. Safehouse (Guardian Series Book 2)
Author: Traci Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications, October 2017
Genre: Suspense
Pages: 304
Rating: 8
CIA, NSA, chases, suspense. Another solid hit from Abramson.
50. The Infinite Atonement
Author: Tad R. Callister
Publisher: Deseret Book, 2000
Genre: Religion and Spirituality
Pages: 356
Rating: 8
An in-depth look at the crowning event of human history and its application to every aspect of our lives, not just repentance.
51. A Wager Worth Making (Arrangements Book 7)
Author: Rebecca Connelly
Publisher: Phase Publishing, October 2017
Genre: Regency
Pages: 277
Rating: 8
Cheerful, friendly, vibrant Gemma makes a wager with the intriguing, sinister Lord Blackmoor.
52. Statistically Improbable (Dating By Design Book 2)
Author: Jennifer Peel
Publisher: Snowy Peaks Media, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 226
Rating: 8
Good girl Meg plays fake girlfriend for bad boy co-worker Zander. I loved getting to know these characters from Book 1 better.
53. The ReModel Marriage (Romance Renovations)
Author: Maria Hoagland
Publisher: Red Leaves Press, March 2016
Genre: Fiction/Family Life
Pages: 301
Rating: 9
Oh, the dangers of growing apart. This is one of those books that makes me determined to put more effort into my marriage on a daily basis. Hey, honey! Let’s do a project together! ;)
54. Love At First Note
Author: Jenny Proctor
Publisher: Covenant Communications, March 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 304
Rating: 9
Maybe it’s my love of the symphony, or my fantasy of being a world class pianist, but this book really sang for me. From the behind-the-scenes look at professional musicians to the issues incurred by the attainment of fame, I enjoyed every scene.
55. iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood—and What That Means for the Rest of Us
Author: Jean Twenge
Publisher: Atria Books, 2nd print August 2017
Genre: Social Science/Demography
Pages: 352
Rating: 8
Although I didn’t agree with every conclusion, I do think this should be required reading for parents/guardians/teachers of this generation of tech-savvy children. Very informative.
56. Mountains Between Us
Author: Jenny Proctor
Publisher: Covenant Communications, September 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 272
Rating: 8.5
Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina at the Rockbridge Academy, a Rehabilitative boarding school for troubled youth. Loved the setting and the characters and the different trials they each faced.
57. The Rise of Miss Notley (Tanglewood Book 2)
Author: Rachael Anderson
Publisher: HEA Publishing, February 2017
Genre: Regency
Pages: 271
Rating: 7.5
“To escape an undesirable match, Miss Notely must give up her riches for rags.”
58. The Pursuit of Lady Harriett (Tanglewood Book 3)
Author: Rachael Anderson
Publisher: HEA Publishing, August 2017
Genre: Regency
Pages: 261
Rating: 8
Incomparable Lady Harriett finds that putting a less-than-conventional Lieutenant in his place is harder than she thought.
59. The Serpent King
Author: Jeff Zentner
Publisher: Ember, June 2017
Genre: Coming of Age
Pages: 400
Rating: 9
Great story of three high school seniors, drawn together by their common status—or non-status—as social misfits. Made me laugh and cry. Some swearing and late teen/adult themes, and not a lighthearted pick-me-up, but well worth the read.
60. Sweetbriar Cottage
Author: Denise Hunter
Publisher: Thomas Nelson, June 2017
Genre: Christian Contemporary
Pages: 320
Rating: 8.5
Don’t judge a book by its name. This is a compelling story of forgiveness, dealing with adult topics of infidelity and divorce. Nothing graphic.
61. City of Angels (Rhea Jensen Book 1)
Author: Sheralyn Pratt
Publisher: Cedar Fort, June 2010
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 224
Rating: 8
Meet Rhea Jensen, private investigator. Charming, funny, and incorporates the LDS plot-line without getting preachy. Some adult content, but Pratt keeps it clean.
62. Welcome to Stalk Lake City (Rhea Jensen Book 2)
Author: Sheralyn Pratt
Publisher: Cedar Fort, August 2010
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 285
Rating: 8
Rhea investigates a stalker in Salt Lake City. New characters and obstacles kept it fresh.
63. City Limits (Rhea Jensen Book 3)
Author: Sheralyn Pratt
Publisher: Cedar Fort, October 2010
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 224
Rating: 7.5
Rhea’s friend Kay moves to Salt Lake City and sets off a deadly string of events.
64. Sawdust and Mistletoe
Author: Michelle Pennington
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, November 2017
Genre: Holiday Romance
Pages: 188
Rating: 7.5
Nice, light, clean holiday romance.
65. Rekindled: Fountain Creek Chronicles Book 1)
Author: Tamera Alexander
Publisher: Bethany House, March 2006
Genre: Historical Fiction/Western
Pages: 340
Rating: 7.5
“At a different time, in a different place, under different circumstances... could two people fall in love all over again?”
66. Undeniably Yours (A Porter Family Novel Book 1)
Author: Becky Wade
Publisher: Bethany House, May 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 386
Rating: 8.5
Love Wade’s writing. Modern heiress meets hard-working horse trainer.
67. The 13th Day of Christmas
Author: Jason F. Wright
Publisher: Shadow Mountain, Reprint September 2014
Genre: Holiday/Religious
Pages: 240
Rating: 9
Heart-warming tear-jerker that made me reassess my priorities—especially the holiday ones.