Today’s
Top Ten Tuesday is all about the books I would love for Santa to leave under my
tree this year. If I were to add both new releases and just novels I would love
to own in general, I would have an extremely
long list on my hands (even now my list is extremely cut down to just be ten),
so I’m just going to slim my options down to a much smaller category:
stand-alone novels I have been dying
to read over the past few months, stand-alone novels I have either already
recently read and loved, or books I am missing to complete a series I have
recently read. If it is a book I haven’t yet read, I will add the description
on the back of the book to my comments, but for the books I have finished I
will supply my own mini descriptive review. So, without further ado, I’m
“asking Santa” for…
1. Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden
Anna O’Brien leads a predictable
and quite life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until
she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted
in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness
and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.
Luke Callahan was one of the
nation’s most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in
scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian,
he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every
way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict
rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglements with members of Congress.
From the gilded halls of the
Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly
archives of the nation’s finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in
secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the
truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for their futures?
Doesn’t
this sound like such a sweet and intriguing story? I’ve only read one of
Elizabeth Camden’s novels so far—The Rose
of Winslow Street—but I really enjoyed it, and Beyond All Dreams sounds like something right up my alley. I
absolutely love mysteries, and forbidden romances make for some of the best
stories! I know I wouldn’t be disappointed if Santa left this novel under my
tree!
2. Deception on Sable Hill by Shelley Gray
Eloisa
Carstairs is one of my favorite heroines. She is so sweet, caring, and broken,
and it just made her so loveable as well as completely relatable, despite her
wealthy status in society. The way that she almost initially dismisses the
social barriers keeping her and Sean apart because she knows he makes her feel
safe, and that is something she needs so desperately, is one of my favorite
aspects of this book. On top of that, she continuously treats him as her equal,
as he deserves to be treated, and I just love that about her. She never puts
Sean down for being “less than her”, but rather over looks his social standing
to see the heart of gold inside. And I just love her for that.
Why? Because
Sean is, by far, one of the best heroes I have ever read about, and I wouldn’t
be able to stand it if Eloisa hadn’t treated him well. Sean is caring,
thoughtful, brave, and compassionate, and he deserves a woman who is going to
see that about him and praise him for it. Okay, rant aside, Sean is amazing. He
is so sweet to Eloisa, it made me thoroughly jealous. And the way he is
protective of Katie just goes on to remind me why I’ve always wanted an older
brother.
Deception on Sable Hill is the second book
in Shelley Gray’s Chicago World’s Fair
Mystery series—I own the third book, Whispers in the Reading Room—and it is my favorite of the two that I don’t own. In
it, we learn more about Eloisa Carstairs, a wealthy debutant, and the way she
was assaulted by a spoiled heir named Douglass Sloane. She keeps this secret to
herself, up until she meets Sean Ryan, who barely knows her yet fights to make
things better for her. He may only be on the fringes of society because of his
police officer status, and not because of his background, but he has a heart of
gold far more precious than anything the elite society could boast. But a
mystery of a murderer and the differences in their lives my keep Eloisa and
Sean from the greatest thing that could ever happen to either of them. I know I
would love Santa forever if I woke up to this novel on Christmas.
3. For Such a Time by Kate Breslin
Hadassah/Stella
is by far one of my favorite heroines. Even after facing the horrors of Dachau
and barely escaping a firing squad, she risked her life again and again in
attempts to save the prisoners at Auschwitz. Her bravery was inspiring, but not
only that, she was a relatable character. I felt that if I had been there, I
would’ve loved to have her for a friend. And I suppose she is one now. All
characters are friends, ones that you can visit any time you open the pages.
I really
loved Aric as well. Although he had so much pain bottled up inside him,
hardness that bubbled out whenever provoked, he was truly sweet, when he let
himself be. He was compassionate and considerate, he just didn’t believe he
could be that man. Once I got to know him better, I loved him even more. He is
also one of my favorites. Especially since he is such a valiant warrior. You’ll
find out why that’s important when you read the book.
For Such a Time is Kate Breslin’s stand-alone
debut novel, and is another book I would absolutely love to find beneath my
tree. This sweet, Esther inspired, WWII novel pulls you in and tugs at your
heartstrings in ways that you will never, ever forget. I don’t even know that I
can accurately describe just what made this story so wonderful. Kate just did
an amazing job with it, and I know I’m planning on reading it again, so it
would be perfect to have my own copy.
4. In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar
Love resurrected from lifeless
dreams happens in the arms of a loving God.
Without wealth or family, the
widow Ruth left her people and followed Naomi, her beloved Hebrew
mother-in-law, to rebuild Naomi’s home in Israel. Provisions gone and
starvation at the door, Ruth used all that she had left—a strong back and a
willing heart—to gather grain in a field, abandoned after the harvest.
Tormented by others, Ruth is
shocked to find the owner of the field watching her. Talking to her. Bringing
food to her and Naomi. Boaz tells himself his kindness toward Ruth is repayment
for the love she has shown to his cousin Naomi. But his heart knows better.
Doesn’t
this sound like such a wonderful novel? In
the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar is a retelling of the classic Bible
story of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi, and is a book I have been dying to read ever
since I first stumbled upon it on Goodreads. I have always loved the story of
Ruth, and have wished for a novel like this one that expounds on the parts we
already know, and now here one is, and I cannot wait to dive into it. My only
fear is that it won’t stay true to what we know from the Bible as some retellings
do, but I’m hopeful that it will, and I know that my fears won’t keep me from
wanting to see this novel under my tree.
5. Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay
Lizzy and Jane couldn’t be
further from Jane Austen’s famous sisters for whom they are named.
Elizabeth left her family’s home
in Seattle fifteen years ago to pursue her lifelong dream—chefing her own
restaurant in New York City. Jane stayed behind to raise a family. Estranged
since their mother’s death many years ago, the circumstances of their lives are
about to bring them together once again.
Known for her absolute command
of her culinary domain, Elizabeth’s gifts in the kitchen have begun to elude
her. And patrons and reviewers are noticing. In need of some rest and an
opportunity to recover her passion for cooking, Elizabeth jumps at the excuse
to rush to her sister’s bedside when Jane is diagnosed with cancer. After all,
Elizabeth did the same for their mother. Perhaps this time, it will make a
difference.
As Elizabeth pours her renewed
energy into her sister’s care and into her burgeoning interest in Nick, Jane’s
coworker, her life begins to evolve from the singular pursuit of her own dream
into the beautiful world of family, food, literature, and love that was
shattered when she and Jane lost their mother. Will she stay and become Lizzy
to her sister’s Jane—and Elizabeth to Nick’s Mr. Darcy—or will she return to
the life she has worked so hard to create?
Lizzy
and Jane by Katherine Reay is Katherine’s second novel, and is a story I have
been excited to read ever since I first heard about it. I read Katherine’s
debut novel—Dear Mr. Knightley—about
a year ago, and loved it, so when I heard she was working on another
Austen-themed book, I was thrilled. Although I think I may be more exited for
her next release, The Bronte Plot, I know
that this is another story I would love to find hidden underneath my tree on
Christmas morning.
6. A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings
Nurse
Abigail Stuart never encouraged the attentions of any of her patients, knowing
they were lonely and in pain and not really attracted to her. But when her
favorite patient, the gravely wounded Jeremiah Calhoun, asks her to marry him
as a practical arrangement—in the interest of his ailing sister—she reluctantly
accepts. After he passes, she carries out her part of the bargain by making her
way to his farm and family, until she is stunned by the appearance of the real
Jeremiah Calhoun. Will she be able to convince him that her story is true and
she has no intention of stealing his farm, or will he quickly send her packing?
A Most Inconvenient Marriage is the
first book I read by Regina Jennings, but it is also the novel that got me
hooked on her writing. I mean, doesn’t it sound like such a captivating story?
An there is a mystery that also fills the pages that makes it even more
interesting than ever, and the characters are some of the most lovable I have
ever encountered. I know I would love to get to read this again, since I sped
through it so quickly the first time, so it would be wonderful to find it under
my tree!
7. A Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love
When India Hartley is accused of
murder, she must uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.
India Hartley, a famous and
beautiful actress, is now alone after her father’s death and embarks upon a
tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern
Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly
wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed
house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.
A benefactor hires Philip
Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A
widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons
Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to
restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than
successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.
Because India can’t go anywhere
in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to
let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the
beauty of the Georgia lowcountry and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a
locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved
disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing
together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a
trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may
hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.
Although
I have yet to read a novel by Dorothy Love, I am very hopeful that A Respectable Actress will be my first. I
have heard so many wonderful things about it, and it sounds like a story I know
I would love. Mystery, intrigue, and romance all rolled into such a beautiful
package? I know I would be hooked. Couldn’t Santa leave this underneath my
tree?
8. Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter
Josie
is so full of pain. I almost couldn’t stand it, especially as I got deeper into
the story and learned why, and realized that some of it was self-inflicted,
although she wouldn’t have known it. With so much heartache from her past, and
even some that had begun when she was only a child, I almost couldn’t tell
where the pain stopped and where Josie began. I cannot tell you just how sorry
I felt for her, just how much I wish things had been different—someone had told
her the truth and helped her to realize she was worth more than she thought—although
it wouldn’t have been much of a story if someone had. Denise did a wonderful
job of slowly bringing Josie’s secrets, her inner torment, to light for us
readers while still having it remain unknown to the other characters, which
made it easy to sympathize with Josie when her family unknowingly touched on a
sore spot in her life.
Can
I take another moment to dwell on how wonderfully heartwarming this story was?
I have not read a novel that touched my heart more. The hurts these characters
face are real, and completely believable, especially with the way Denise slowly
brought them to light while giving you little glimpses into the hearts of those
who carried them. As I got deeper and deeper into the story, I realized more
and more just how realistic—and possible—Josie’s heartbreak was, and it caused
every decision she made to make perfect sense. And, unlike many other romances,
the hurt and fears that made Josie and Grady reluctant to give in to their
growing feelings for one another never once felt forced, but rather played in
perfectly to their stories and were perfectly valid reasons that anyone would
face today.
Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter is the
first stand-alone novel I have read by her, though I have read another five of
her books. She has been one of my favorite authors for quite some time now, and
this novel is a good example of why I love her writing so much. She always does
such a wonderful job of weaving real-life, believable pain into her stories,
and every one of them has touched my heart; this novel the most. There is so
much raw hurt that fills its pages that you cannot get through it without
wiping away more than a few tears. I would be absolutely THRILLED if Santa left
this novel for me.
9. To Get to You by Joanne Bischof
To get to the girl he loves,
Riley Kane must head off on a road trip with the father he never knew. Then pray
for a miracle.
Most teens would love to have a
pro surfer for a dad. Just not Riley. Abandoned as a kid, he hates the sound of
the ocean and the man who gave himself to it.
When the eighteen-year-old
learns that his best friend is stranded at a New Mexico hospital as her father
fights for his life, Riley hits the highway to head east. But when he Jeep
breaks down before he even leaves California, he must rely on the one man he
despises to get to the girl who needs him the most. And when it comes to the
surfer with the Volkswagen van and dog-eared map, a thousand miles may—or may
not—be enough to heal the past.
I have
been waiting to read To Get to You by
Joanne Bischof—even though I’ve yet to read a single one of her novels—ever since
I first heard of it early this year. It sounds so, so good, and I know it would
be a book that would touch my heart long before I made it to the end of the
story. I have been dying to read this story for so long now, I know I just
might scream if I found it beneath my tree.
10. The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter
PJ McKinley has
always felt like she has something to prove, especially to her family. So when
she has the opportunity to start her own restaurant right out of culinary
school—as long as she wins the rights to her neighbor’s ancestral home—she
jumps at the chance. There’s only one problem. She has to earn it while sharing
it with a man she can barely go five minutes without arguing with.
Cole Evans has wanted to open a home
for in transition foster kids for a long time. Now that he has his chance, he
hates that he has to share the house with PJ. Her restaurant is taking up
valuable rooms that he could use to help more kids. And her bubbly personality
has an uncanny way of getting under his skin, no matter how hard he tries to
keep her at bay.
Although
The Wishing Season wasn’t my favorite
novel of the Chapel Springs series,
that was Dancing with Fireflies of
course, I did love it VERY much, and it is the only one that I currently do not
own. Clearly, I must find a copy of this sweet, captivating story under my tree
this year so that I can finally have the completed series.
Well,
there are the top ten novels I would love for Santa to put under my tree this
year! How about you? What are some novels you want to find underneath your
tree?
Happy
Tuesday!
To see where I’m linking up, check out my Where I Party
page.
All credit for the italicized synopses of Beyond All Dreams, In the Field of Grace, Lizzy
and Jane, A Respectable Actress, and
To Get to You goes to the authors and
their publishers.
All of the italicized reviews/descriptions of Deception on Sable Hill, For Such a Time, A Most Inconvenient Marriage, Sweetwater
Gap, and The Wishing Season are
from my blog reviews of each novel. To see the full review, click on each
highlighted title.
