1. Rhythm of War
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor, November 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 1232
Rating: 9
Sanderson continues to blow my mind with the breadth of his imagination. His books just can't come fast enough!
2. Mr. Gardiner and the Governess
Author: Sally Britton
Publisher: Pink Citrus Books, November 2020
Genre: Regency
Pages: 228
Rating: 8.5
Maybe it's just because I really enjoyed my college entomology class, but I found this story delightful.
3. The Match: A Romantic Comedy (It Happened in Charleston Book 1)
Author: Sarah Adams
Publisher: Sarah Adams, May 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Pages: 280
Rating: 8.5
Laugh out loud funny, just when I needed a good pick-me-up. Great voice and humor and frank approach to living with epilepsy--and don't forget the awesome dogs! A bit heavy on the "sizzle" for my taste, but she kept it clean.
4. His Disinclined Bride (Seasons of Change Book 7)
Author: Jennie Goutet
Publisher: Jennie Goutet, October 2020
Genre: Regency
Pages: 270
Rating: 8.5
"Theirs is not a love match. She'll make sure of it." I read a couple of the other books in this series--all stand-alones by different authors--but this is the first by Jennie Goutet that I've read, and I was pleasantly surprised. I love discovering a new (to me) author! And then I read a couple more of her books...
5. A Regrettable Proposal (Memorable Proposals Book 1)
Author: Jennie Goutet
Publisher: Cedar Fort, March 2019
Genre: Regency
Pages: 349
Rating: 8.5
Another enjoyable read from Goutet. Loved the bumbling pursuit.
6. A Faithful Proposal (Memorable Proposals Book 2)
Author: Jennie Goutet
Publisher: Cedar Fort, February 2020
Genre: Regency
Pages: 305
Rating: 8.5
And another. Don't judge. January is a hard month, and regency is an excellent soother. ;)
7. Book of a Thousand Days
Author: Shannon Hale
Publisher: Bloomsbury, reprint Oct 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 336
Rating: 9
"When Lady Saren refuses to marry a man she fears, she and her maid, Dashti, are locked in a tower with with just a tiny flap open to the outside world. As food runs low and the weather changes from broiling hot to unbearably cold, it is all Dashti can do to make them comfortable in their dark prison... Equal parts fantastical and romantic, with an unforgettable protagonist to root for at its center."
8. Suits and Spark Plugs
Author: Aspen Hadley
Publisher: Aspen Hadley, October 2020
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 257
Rating: 8.5
Between her job, online schooling, and holding her family together, Liv Phelps has no time for love. Which, of course, makes it the optimal time.
9. Fountains of Silence
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Publisher: Penguin Books, September 2020
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Pages: 512
Rating: 9
Great introduction (for me) to the history of Spain under dictator General Francisco Franco. "A gripping, extraordinary portrait of love, silence, and secrets."
10. The Accidental Text
Author: Becky Monson
Publisher: Becky Monson, 2021
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 331
Rating: 8.5
Weeks after her mom dies, Maggie is still sending her deepest thoughts and feelings via text to her mom's number as a bit of self-therapy--which works great until the man to whom the number has been reassigned replies.
11. A Man Worth Shaving For (Shaped By Love Book 1)
Author: Michelle Pennington
Publisher: Michelle Pennington, March 2020
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 222
Rating: 8.5
I love the perspective on women's body image issues in these two books (11 and 12). Refreshing to read about women who aren't the "perfect" size and shape. Now, if we can get the male characters to be just as realistic... ;) More kissing than I prefer in this and #12, but still clean.
12. Oh Keep Your Shirt On (Shaped By Love Book 2)
Author: Michelle Pennington
Publisher: Michelle Pennington, August 2020
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 228
Rating: 8.5
See #11
13. When Twilight Breaks
Author: Sarah Sundin
Publisher: Revell, 2021
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Pages: 384
Rating: 9
It's a beautiful day when Sundin releases a new book. This one didn't disappoint. Explore opposing American reactions to the rising Nazi Germany in 1938 Munich. Already hoping for next year's Sundin release!
14-16. The Mistborn Trilogy (The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages)
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Fantasy, 2006-2008
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Pages: a lot... 672, 784, and 768, respectively
Rating: 9.5
These are pretty dark and fairly violent, but wow, Sanderson rules epic Fantasy. I've read these before but it's been long enough that I was surprised, again, by many of the twists and turns. Most of this I listened to on Audible over several months--Michael Kramer's performance is excellent.
17. Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Starscape, 2016
Genre: Children's Fantasy
Pages: 320
Rating: 8
With a snarky narrator who sounds at times like Lemony Snickett, Sanderson weaves a children's fantasy adventure in a world where tripping, being late, and breaking things are magical Talents.
18. Manor For Sale, Baron Included
Author: Esther Hatch
Publisher: Esther Hatch, 2021
Genre: Victorian Historial Romance
Pages: 228
Rating: 9
My favorite Hatch novel, to date, I found this one laugh-out-loud funny.
19. All For You (Pine Valley Book 8)
Author: Heather B. Moore
Publisher: Mirror Press, May 2019
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Sports Romance
Pages: 214
Rating: 8
"Life has always been about the game for pro-hockey player Tyler Nelson, but when he meets attorney Lindsey Gerber, Tyler discovers his feelings for Lindsey are anything but a game."
20. The Prince of Spies (Hope and Glory Book #3)
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Publisher: Bethany House, February 2021
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Pages: 345
Rating: 8.5
It's the Capulets and Montagues, set against the background of gilded America, the fight for food safety, and the development of the FDA. Except they don't all die. ;) Great conclusion to the series!
21. The Outsiders
Author: S.E. Hinton
Publisher: Speak reprint September 1988
Genre: YA Fiction
Pages: 192
Rating: 9
Not sure how I haven't read this before. Hinton's groundbreaking, genre-making first novel, written when she was 15-16. Tragic story, unforgettable characters, beautiful writing.
22. Return of the Thief (Queen's Thief Book 6)
Author: Megan Whalen Turner
Publisher: Greenwillow Books, October 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 459
Rating: 9
Fantastic end to one of my favorite series! Audiobook is also excellent--I was about half and half reading vs. listening.
23. Anxious People
Author: Fredrik Backman
Publisher: Atria Books, September 2020
Genre: Humorous Fiction
Pages: 352
Rating: 9.5
Favorite book of the year so far. Backman's people are real, flawed, and hilarious--but they also made me cry. "This story is about a lot of things, but mostly about idiots."
24. The Book of Longings (Audiobook, read by Mozhan Marnò)
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Ancient History Fiction/Women's Fiction
Length: 13 hours 27 minutes (448 pages in paperback)
Rating: 8
"I am Ana. I was the wife of Jesus ben Joseph of Nazareth." Fascinating and audacious, this story is "grounded in meticulous research and written with a reverential approach to Jesus's life that focuses on his humanity." I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the author's note before I read the book instead of after.
25. Let It Be Me (A Misty River Romance, Book #2)
Author: Becky Wade
Publisher: Bethany House, May 2021
Genre: Christian Fiction
Pages: 382
Rating: 9.5
Foster kid/pediatric surgeon Sebastian and math prodigy/high school teacher/sibling mother Leah. The banter between these irregular protagonists is delightful.
26. An Uncommon Earl
Author: Sian Ann Bessey
Publisher: Covenant Communications, April 2021
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 276
Rating: 9
An earl committed to relieving the suffering of England's lower class and a young woman used to being ignored team up to find a dead woman's missing son.
27. Love Unexpected
Author: Jenny Proctor
Publisher: Four Petal Press, April 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Comedy
Pages: 265
Rating: 9
"A famous boss. A secret identity. And a hilarious road trip to love."
28. The Captain's Confidant (Larkhall Letters Book 2)
Author: Ashtyn Newbold
Publisher:
Genre:
Pages:
Rating: 8.5
"An accidental letter, a long-lost love, and a slew of secrets."
29. Not the Bodyguard's Bride
Author: Lorin Grace
Publisher: Currant Creek Press, November 2020
Genre: Wholesome Romance/Suspense
Pages: 232
Rating: 8.5
"A forbidden crush. An oblivious bodyguard. A fake honeymoon."
30. In Harm's Way
Author: Traci Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications, March 2021
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 297
Rating: 8.5
Another exciting read in Abramson's Guardians series.
31. Silver Dollar Duke (Hearts of Arizona Book 1)
Author: Sally Britton
Publisher: Pink Citrus Books, March 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction/Victorian/Western
Pages: 320
Rating: 8
"The last thing Dannie needs is a Victorian gentleman on her ranch, playing cowboy while she's trying to save her family's livelihood. Will high stakes and high emotions lead to heartbreak?"
32. Give Me One Good Reason (Shaped by Love 4)
Author: Michelle Pennington
Publisher: Michelle Pennington, February 2021
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 243
Rating: 8.5
"Why do short girls always get the tall guys?"
33. Kiss Me Now
Author: Melanie Jacobsen
Publisher: Four Petal Press, March 2021
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 199
Rating: 8.5
"He'd be the perfect guy...if he wasn't trying to ruin her life."
34. Second First Kiss
Author: Jennifer Griffith
Publisher: Jennifer Griffith, March 2021
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 191
Rating: 8
"Back in high school, Jasher Hotchkiss and Sage Everton shared one perfect kiss at a kissing booth. Now, they've both returned to their hometown of Mendon."
35. The Jewels of Halstead Manor (Ladies of Devon Book 1)
Author: Kasey Stockton
Publisher: Golden Owl Press, March 2020
Genre: Regency
Pages: 352
Rating: 7.5
"She can only stay as long as the invalid needs her...so he makes it his business to need her forever."
36. The Lady of Larkspur Vale (Ladies of Devon Book 2)
Author: Kasey Stockton
Publisher: Golden Owl Press, August 2020
Genre: Regency
Pages: 294
Rating: 8
"She wants to forget she ever knew him; he just wants her."
37. The Widow of Falbrooke Court (Ladies of Devon Book 3)
Author: Kasey Stockton
Publisher: Golden Owl Press, February 2021
Genre: Regency
Pages: 236
Rating: 8
Thrice married Amelia has vowed never to marry again, but Charles has loved her his entire life.
38. The Recluse of Wolfeton House (Ladies of Devon Book 4)
Author: Kasey Stockton
Publisher: Golden Owl Press, April 2021
Genre: Regency
Pages:
Rating: 8.5
"She is holding out for her soul mate; he believes it's him."
39-41. Waves of Freedom series (Through Waters Deep, Anchor in the Storm, When Tides Turn)
Author: Sarah Sundin
Publisher: Revell, 2015, 2016, 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction/WWII/Boston
Pages: 386, 402, 402
Rating: 9
Great trilogy following three Avery siblings at the beginning of WWII in Boston.
42. Atomic Habits (Audiobook by author)
Author: James Clear
Publisher: Penguin Audio, October 2018
Genre: Organizational Behavior/Self Help
Length: 5 hours 35 minutes (320 pages in hardback)
Rating: 9
How tiny changes can add up to help one achieve remarkable results.
43. A Proper Scoundrel
Author: Esther Hatch
Publisher: Covenant Communications, May 2021
Genre: Regency
Pages: 264
Rating: 9
"His scandals were right on track until she derailed everything."
44. A Year of Living Danishly
Author: Helen Russell
Publisher: Icon Books Ltd., January 2015
Genre: Travel
Pages: 389
Rating: 8
Brit Helen Russell's account of her first year living in Denmark, and her take on the happiest country on Earth. Be sure to read the 2020 update at the end. ***Frank discussions of intimacy, some language.
45. The Midnight Library
Author: Matt Haig
Publisher: Viking, September 2020
Genre: Time Travel Fiction
Pages: 299
Rating: 9
"A Beautiful fable, an It's a Wonderful Life for the modern age--impossibly timely when we are all stuck in a world we wish could be different." --Jodi Picoult, author of My Sister's Keeper.
***Language. Quite a few bombs in this one.
46. Falling for Your Best Friend
Author: Emma St. Clair
Publisher: Independently published, May 2021
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 348
Rating: 9
Classic trope with a fascinating look at how sensory neurodivergence might effect relationships.
47. Wish You Well Baldacci (Audiobook narrated by Norma Lana)
Author: David Baldacci
Publisher: Hachette Audio, March 2007
Genre: Historical Fiction
Length: 9 hours 50 minutes, 384 pages
Rating: 8
"Following a family tragedy, siblings Lou and Oz must leave New York and adjust to life in the Virginia mountains--but just as the farm begins to feel like home, they'll have to defend it from a dark threat in this New York Times bestselling coming-of-age story."
48. I Hated You First
Author: Rachel John
Publisher: Independently published, June 2021
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 165
Rating: 9
"Sometimes love is war."
49. Georgana's Secret
Author: Arlem Hawks
Publisher: Shadow Mountain, January 2021
Genre: Regency
Pages: 264
Rating: 9
"Hawks crafts a spellbinding tale featuring rich characters and raw emotions set against the atmospheric backdrop of sea life in all its danger and beauty. Georgana is a tough protagonist holding her own in a world dominated by men, while Peyton's charm and sensitivity marks him as a true gentleman. A hidden identity, flirtation, and treachery make for a rousing tale to captivate lovers of historical romances."-- Publishers Weekly
50. All This Time
Author: Melissa Tagg
Publisher: Larkspur Press, September 2017
Genre: Christian Romance
Pages: 352
Rating: 9
"Bear McKinley's past refuses to let go.... Fear holds Raegan's future captive."
51. The Nabob's Daughter
Author: Jess Heilman
Publisher: Vagabond Publishing, June 2021
Genre: Regency
Pages: 362
Rating: 9
"She'll do anything to escape an arranged marriage. He'll do anything to help her." Delightful read from Heilman that had me laughing out loud.
52. The Mountain Between Us
Author: Charles Martin
Publisher: Crown, June 2011
Genre: Action & Adventure Romance
Pages: 5 hours 35 minutes (320 pages in hardback)
Rating: 9.5
Devoured this book of survival and adventure and deep, abiding love. Didn't hurt that I just made a trip into the High Uintas myself--although calm September weather is a vastly different experience than anything January has to offer at 11,000 feet!
53. Inventing Vivian (Blue Orchid Society 2)
Author: Jennifer Moore
Publisher: Covenant Communications, June 2021
Genre: Victorian Historical Romance
Pages: 224
Rating: 9
Love the Victorian/Industrial Age setting in these books and can't wait for the next!
54. Falling For Your Enemy (Cliches #6)
Author: Emma St. Clair
Publisher: Independent
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 440
Rating: 8
Nothing like being stuck on a road trip with the one person in the world who hates you the most.
55. We Were the Lucky Ones
Author: Georgia Hunter
Publisher: Penguin Books, reprint January 2018
Genre: WWII Historical Fiction
Pages: 416
Rating: 9
Wow. What a miraculous journey for the author's Polish progenitors! Based on their true story from WWII Poland. ***Language, Holocaust and war violence***
56. The Cheat Sheet
Author: Sarah Adams
Publisher: Independent
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 304
Rating: 8.5
"Is it ever too late to leave the friend-zone?"
Clean but had a lot of kissing.
57. So Not My Thing
Author: Melanie Jacobson
Publisher: Four Petal Press, August 2021
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 236
Rating: 8.5
"I hated Miles Crowe more than itchy socks, 'namaste' puns on yoga tank tops, and chigger bites. Combined."
58-63. The Queen's Thief Series Audiobooks, read by Steve West
Author: Megan Whalen Turner
(yeah, all 6. I did a lot of driving... and ball games... and housework;)
Publisher: Harper Audio
Genre: Fantasy
Length: Various
Ratings: 9, 10, 10, 9, 8.5, 8.5, 9
One of my all-time favorite series! And I love Steve West's narrative.
64. The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Author: Kelly Barnhill
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers, reprint August 2016
Genre: Children's Fantasy
Pages: 253
Rating: 8
"An expertly woven and enchanting offering for readers who love classic fairy tales."
65. The Widow and the Highlander (Tales from the Highlands 1)
Author: Martha Keyes
Publisher: Independent, February 2021
Genre: British Historical Fiction
Pages: 300
Rating: 8.5
"She needs to be protected. He'll take on the job...for a price."
66. The Enemy and Miss Innes (Tales from the Highlands 2)
Author: Martha Keyes
Publisher: Independent, June 2021
Genre: British Historical Fiction
Pages: 246
Rating: 8.5
"All that stands between him and freedom? Turning her hatred to love."
67. The Innkeeper and the Fugitive (Tales from the Highlands 3)
Author: Martha Keyes
Publisher: Independent, September 2021
Genre: British Historical Fiction
Pages: 302
Rating: 8.5
"Harboring a fugitive is dangerous enough. Falling in love with her could mean the end of his dreams—and his life."
I'm slightly annoyed that book 4 doesn't release until June 2022 haha
68. Five Kisses
Author: Rachel Anderson
Publisher: HEA, September 2021
Genre: Regency
Pages: 296
Rating: 8
"The first kiss crumbles her world. The second mystifies. The third unbalances. The fourth sends her reeling. And the fifth –ah, the fifth . . . "
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.
69. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High (Audiobook, read by Lisa Reneé Pitts)
Author: Melba Pattillo Beals
Publisher: Tantor Audio, November 2011
Genre: Memoir
Length: 12 hours 39 minutes (240 pages paperback)
Rating: 9
Disturbing. Painful. Enlightening.
Language, violence, etc. consistent with the times and troubles.
70. Dragon Ascending
Author: Amy Beatty
Publisher: Immortal Works, October 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 402
Rating: 8.5
"A perilous quest to find the missing king and win the heart of a beautiful princess." Classic fantasy with a fresh twist. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
71. Charming Artemis
Author: Sarah Eden
Publisher: Covenant Communications, October 2021
Genre: Regency
Pages: 288
Rating: 9
Delightful and heartfelt wrap up to the Lancaster and Jonquil series. It was a big ticket to fill and Eden managed it masterfully.
72. The Slow March of Light (Audiobook read by Stephen Graybill and Christa Lewis)
Author: Heather B. Moore
Publisher: Shadow Mountain, September 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction, Cold War
Length: 10 hours 54 minutes (368 pages in hardcover)
Rating: 9.5
Inspired by real events in Cold War Germany, 1961. A young man from rural Idaho gets drafted into the US Army and receives orders for top secret undercover work in East Germany.
73. Copper For the Countess
Author: Sally Britton
Publisher: Pink Citrus Books, October 2021
Genre: Historical Christian Romance, Western
Pages: 363
Rating: 9
Britton's writing is a delight to read. "A Victorian countess doesn't belong on a ranch, and a frosty cowboy knows nothing about raising a family."
74. Just One Chance
Author: Jenny Proctor
Publisher: Four Petal Press, August 2019
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 189
Rating: 9
"ER doctor David Daniels thinks his neighbor, Avery, is way out of his league... Avery Middleton thinks her neighbor is cute in a dorky brother kind of way... When David learns something incriminating about Avery's boyfriend, he's forced to decide: play it safe or risk his friendship with Avery and possibly his career to tell her the truth."
75. Just One Word
Author: Melanie Jacobsen
Publisher: Four Petal Press, April 2019
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 152
Rating: 9
"Emma Lindsor is a whip smart, coffee-addicted, Austen-reading book snob, and she won't apologize for it. Not even when she's forced to appear on a panel of writers with her arch nemesis, loudmouth Aiden Maxwell, a wildly successful bestseller thanks to his lowbrow crime thrillers."
76. The Mostly Real McCoy
Author: Julie Christianson
Publisher: Independent, April 2021
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 284
Rating: 8.5
"Not everyone's destined to live happily ever after, right? averagely ever after is my goal. Less hoping means less heartbreak... Then I meet Mac and Daisy."
77. Next Year in Havana (Audiobook read by Kyla Garcia)
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, February 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction, Cuba
Length: 11 hours 16 minutes (400 pages paperback)
Rating: 8.5
This was my first look at Cuba, beyond generalized ideas of tropical paradise/Castro/old cars. Not a topic that was discussed in any of my history classes. Some language and adult content but not graphic.
78. You and Me (novella)
Author: Becky Wade
Publisher: Bethany House, November 2021
Genre: Christian Fiction
Pages: 125
Rating: 8.5
Connor asks childhood friend and long-time crush Shay to be his dating consultant, but he doesn't tell her that she's the one he wants to date.
79. Carved in Stone
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Publisher: Bethany House, August 2021
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Pages: 346
Rating: 8.5
Guilded Age America comes to life in Camden's writing. Heiress botanist meets hardscrabble Irish lawyer.