It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
It’s that time of year again! Time for my “favorites” post of 2016, AND just in time for the same #TTT topic. This year’s list was difficult to compile, to say the least. I’ve read a whopping total of 61 books this year (at press time), a few being rereads and some novellas. I was determined to limit my list somewhat this year, so we have 11 novels plus a couple “bonus” novellas. Surprisingly, all of the novels are 2016 releases, but the novellas range from 2014-2016. Most of these authors are familiar favorites and always “must-reads”, so it’s no surprise to me that my favorites stem from this group.
Now, on to the books!!!
Top Ten Best Books of 2016
Historical Fiction
1. A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton
A riveting, fascinating conclusion to her “Pathfinders” duology.
2. The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof
Seriously now one of my all-time favorite books! Go read it. Achingly sweet and heart-wrenching in the best way.
3. The Thorn Keeper by Pepper D. Basham
Really, the whole “Penned in Time” series is amazing, but this one is my favorite for several reasons…. one of them having to do with Christmas 😉
4. The Cautious Maiden by Dawn Crandall
Another great story from Dawn, this one uniquely uses only the heroine’s first person POV.
5. The Sound of Emeralds by Rachelle Rea Cobb
A fantastic conclusion to Rachelle’s debut series, this brings the characters full circle with some amazing surprises. #TeamDirk
Contemporary Fiction
6. Together at the Table by Hillary Manton Lodge
Ahh! This one made me hungry, laugh, and cry. Oh, and try out a new recipe or two I discovered while reading.
7. Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg
Definitely my favorite of the Walker family series so far! The cover alone should be enough to convince you of the adorableness that is Loganand Amelia, but the emotional depth is what gets me with all of Melissa’s stories.
8. You’re the One That I Want by Susan May Warren
While I’ve loved each book in the Christiansen family series, this one, being the last, made so many pieces fall in place. It drew everything together with a huge thread of grace, and that’s why I loved it.
9. Told You Twice by Kristen Heitzmann
Unexpected and fresh, Kristen is not afraid to depict life in both raw and redemptive manners through storytelling.
10. A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay
Another one that made me hungry! Ha! Katherine always surprises me with the direction and vast changes she leads her characters through. This one was pleasantly amazing.
11. Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson
One of the sweetest contemporary love stories I’ve read in a long time… and I’m not even talking about the cinnamon rolls and muffins! This one is just “good” for your heart.
Bonus! Favorite Novellas
Playing With Fire by Susan May Warren
The two main characters’ mutual complex history combined with a current-day crazy action/suspense situation made this my favorite of the Montana Fire trilogy.
This Quiet Sky by Joanne Bischof
Poignant and beautiful, this goes beyond typical coming-of-age story expectations and tore into my heart unexpectedly.
A Night Like No Other by Kristin Vayden
I think this one will be a Christmas season reread every year now for its genuine and Biblical portrayal of Mary and Joseph’s experiences.
The Green Mockingbird 