It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
At first consideration, I didn’t think I had read 10 NEW authors this year because I tend to gravitate to favorite authors I know I will enjoy. Upon looking through Goodreads, however, I found I had read more than 10 new authors in 2016. I’ve listed below my favorites, in alphabetical order (because who could ever rank them!!??), and my corresponding book(s) review(s).
Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read for the First Time in 2016
1. Pepper D. Basham
Let me just tell you now: you need to read Pepper’s books. As of last week, I have read all 4 of her published works and cannot wait for more. She conquers both historical and contemporary romance with the same determination to communicate messages of God’s grace and Christ’s love with her characters.
2. Rachelle Rea Cobb
While I might have been a little late in discovering fellow blogger Rachelle Rea Cobb’s historical series, I hope I made up for it by devouring her series this year. I was also privileged to participate on her special launch team for book 3. This is a series not to miss if you’re a fan of history, gripping drama, fantastic romance, or stories of redemption.
3. Melanie Dickerson
After hearing about Melanie’s skill at transforming fairytales into clever retelllings with an inspirational bent, I had to try one of her stories for myself. Everyone was right! I will be reading more of her books in the future.
4. Ruth Logan Herne
Ruth seems like such a sweet person! I enjoyed one of her recent releases for the first time this year in conjunction with SLB Tours.
5. Liz Johnson
Liz’s contemporary romance series set on the idyllic Prince Edward Island was a treat! It’s not to be missed. I’m anxious for book 3!
6. Jenny B. Jones
Another author I kept hearing about in the young adult genre, one I don’t visit very often. though that might be changing with such discoveries as Jenny (and the next on the list, Amy….)
7. Amy Matayo
Amy is such fun! I reviewed her latest release and have since added a few more of her novels to my collection to be read soon, hopefully.
8. Dani Pettrey
I know, I know, I haven’t read anything from Dani until this year. I *need* to read her Alaskan Courage series because it is totally my type of series. I just know I need some dedicated time because I have a feeling I’ll want to binge-read it. Anyway, I really loved the start of her new action/mystery/romance series and look forward to book 2 early next year!
9. Kathleen Rouser
Kathleen contacted me concerning her new release from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, a small-time publisher, and I’m very glad she did! She is a delightful person, as evidenced in my interview post, and her novel is equally as delightful in depth of story and character.
Rumors and Promises (and interview)
10. James L. Rubart
The synopsis of James’s newest release, combined with the stunning cover and previous praise of his novels, made me eager to read this one. I knew it would be different than the norm, and I was happily correct. Fans of contemporary drama, stories of purpose, and even slight fantasy in a C.S. Lewis-like vein will enjoy James’s latest release.
The Long Journey to Jake Palmer
Well, have you read any of these books or authors before? Which is your favorite? What new authors have you discovered recently? I’d love to hear your comments and recommendations!
The Green Mockingbird 
Oh wow, I haven’t heard of any of these authors…. I’m really not doing very well this week!
That’s totally OK!!! I hadn’t heard of a couple of them until this year! And that’s what’s so great about the TTT participants: we are always adding new books to the TBR list! Thank you for dropping by, Deborah!
I’m not familiar with any of these authors but it’s nice to expand horizons a bit and see some new names! I think James Rubart’s work sounds especially interesting…
I agree, it’s fun to read “out of your comfort zone” sometimes! I hope you do try a story by James Rubart…. he’s so unexpected!
I haven’t read any of these authors! But I’ve heard of Rachelle Rea Cobb! So I kind of would maybe like to try a book from her someday, eeep. 🙂 Here’s my TTT!
Yay for hearing about Rachelle! She’s such a fun person- and her novels are top-notch! (I enjoyed your TTT post, by the way!)
I haven’t read any of these authors actually. I must change that asap.http://www.curious-daisy.com/top-ten-tuesday/top-5-new-to-me-authors-i-read-for-the-first-time-in-2016/
Stefani, you must! Since you enjoy historical fiction, you should try Pepper or Rachelle from my list. Thank you for coming by to “visit”!
Courtney, COURTNEY!!! I am so glad you ‘found’ me 🙂 And I’m even more delighted that you fell in love with my fictional peeps. And…just you wait – April is my very favorite book I’ve ever written and I cannot wait for you to meet Eisley and Wes!!!
Likewise!!!! And I’m so in love with your characters… LOL! This makes me so excited to hear it’s your favorite — I’m not sure it can compete with TTK, in my heart, but I’m anxious to let it try! (by the way, if you EVER need another early reader or endorser, you know where to find me 😉 ) Blessings, Pepper, on your new release!
I love this author list! I’m so glad you picked up my books and became an instant online friend this year, Courtney. I so appreciate your sparkling enthusiasm for my (and all!) books. Your blog is a beautiful one, and one whose posts I look forward to reading. Thank you for spreading the word about fabulous stories–and honoring me by including me on this list. 🙂
Aw, you’re so sweet! Thank you very much for the encouragement. And the beautiful stories 🙂
YAY! Some of my very favorite peeps – as authors and as people! Great post! My TTT
AGREED!!! Thank you! I need to check out some of the authors on your list soon — especially Nicole Deese, I keep hearing great things about her books.
oh my goodness -YES. You must! 🙂
I got to read from Pepper D. Basham for first time this year too (2 books, actually), and read Rachelle Rea Coob’s books too (though I read her 1st book last year). It’s good to expand the authors that one reads from — because you see more of the world that way! 🙂
Some of the other new-to-me authors I’ve dabbled with this year include Lynn Morris, Marissa Meyer, and J. Grace Pennington.
Great list!
Oooh, I’m so glad you have read Pepper and Rachelle! A agree, it’s like seeing more of the world AND seeing the world from a different POV. I will look up the authors you mentioned! I’m so happy you dropped by, Tarissa!
Most of the new-to-me authors I have read this year are ones I have heard of, just not read their books yet. Here’s my list.
Pepper Basham
Johnnie Alexander
Nicole Deese
Shirley Raye Redmond
Kara Isaac
Shelley Gray
Gabrielle Meyer
Erica Vetsch
Diann Mills
Susie Larson
Yay! I’m still new to the inspirational genre & needed some new authors to try!
Oh good! I hope you find some new ones you like! 99% of what I review is inspirational fiction, so you might find something else new on my blog. Thanks for visiting, Christie!