Favorite Reads 2022

I received a complimentary copy of one of these books for an honest review, which you’ll find in its related post I’ve linked to.

I look forward to these awards all year! As my blog is all about hope and inspiration, these are the books that most fit that bill for me in 2022 and that I highly recommend to fellow readers. You’ll find them listed in the order I read them.

To the authors of the winning books, if you’d like a medal for making the list, see the bottom of this post.

Heiress
Susan May Warren
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Christian Historical Fiction

Being a Gilded Age society debutante can be…costly.
Yes, this novel delivers in terms of lush historical entertainment dripping with diamonds. Still, the read took a substantive hold on me as it addressed social issues of the shifting period. Immigrants. Poverty. Racism. Labor strikes. Robber barons. Corrupt politicians controlling corrupt lawmen. Women’s suffrage. World war. And I very much appreciate how the faith thread doesn’t follow a stereotypical pattern that some ChristFic does. By the time I finished the novel, I was emotionally floored and ready for more of the Daughters of Fortune series.

Dark Sons
Nikki Grimes
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Young Adult Split-Timeline Fiction

Abraham. Ishmael. And a modern-day father/son breakdown.
Two young men and their fathers are featured in this pair of stories woven together and stripped down into free verse, raw but straight to the point. I’m all for the way this read asks tough questions and isn’t afraid to show human flaws, even when it comes to Abraham. The young heroes’ related stories offer compelling hope without resorting to too-easy answers or fairy-tale fixes. I’d recommend this inspiring book to fans of split-timeline fiction and to contemporary poetry enthusiasts alike.

Garvey’s Choice
Nikki Grimes
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Middle Grade Fiction

Other kids tease him about his weight. But he makes a discovery…
This has to be the only middle grade novel I’ve read that’s written entirely through tanka poems. It’s such a beautiful and inspiring story, packed with a range of thoughts and emotions expressed in a style that says so much in relatively few words. The read hurts, and it heals—and the young hero, a fan of science fiction and the stars, shines his own light as he gains insight. I think I teared up thrice while gliding through this book, and I’d recommend it to the young, the old, and those in between.

The Cat and His Servant
A.G. Marshall
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Fantasy, Short Story

His Excellency the Grand Feline Supreme lends his paw to a helpless human. Heh heh.
The further I got into this ninth fairy tale retelling in the Once Upon a Short Story series, I started to remember the Puss in Boots story it’s based on. And, hey, this retelling may actually improve upon the original. I became more convinced of this after I read the Author’s Note at the end. But even before that, I found reading this story from the perspective of His Excellency (heh heh) to be refreshing, clever, and laugh-worthy. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

A Second Chance
Walt Mussell
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Time Slip Fantasy

A career-driven woman wakes up in 16th-century Japan—as mother to the young son of a samurai.
There’s an abundance of detail and plenty of atmosphere in this fantasy novella. In a way, I felt about as lost as the heroine for a while as I floated along with the curious flow of the unfolding plot. Then the story’s elements of “what” and “why,” the meaning of the past and the blessing of the present, gradually came together in stirring fashion. This read left me with an almost haunting sense of hope, and if any of these characters happen to appear in a future story, I’ll be there for it.

My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church
Amy Kenny
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Christian Social Issues

Casting a new vision for the diversity of God’s image-bearers…
With a mix of (snarky!) humor and grace, Kenny lays out so much for a critical perspective shift. She addresses practical issues concerning disabled people’s civil rights, and the way she gradually explains the prophetic witness of disability is nothing short of beautiful. Plus, the book includes plenty of actionable steps for readers/the church (meaning, people in the church) to take. Here’s a definite must-read for anyone who believes in loving your neighbor as yourself.

Isla to Island
Alexis Castellanos
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Middle Grade Historical Graphic Novel

The 1960s. Danger in Cuba. And a young girl sent to the United States.
This beautifully drawn novel, even with only a small handful of words in it, is much. I was choked up (and not in a corny way) through plenty of it—during the parts of the young heroine’s journey that tore my heart as well as the moments that made me chuckle or simply smile. And when I closed the book after the last page, I wept: for children whose home and migration stories are like hers, and for children whose home and migration stories aren’t. Young, old, and in-between alike should check out this novel that is at once an expression and a call to the human soul.

Click the book covers below to pick up free ebook copies of two of my past Favorite Reads picks, plus one of my books, The Movement of Crowns. Be sure to double-check the prices before downloading!

 

Speaking of favorites… Two of my favorite things about writing are: 1) being able to make up fictional history in a completely fictional world, and 2) having the chance to feature uncommon lead characters in that world. Take a look at the
Eubeltic Realm series.
An era for historic change. And the people who bring it.

Congratulations, authors, and thank you for writing your books! If I’ve selected yours as a Favorite Read this year, you’re welcome to a complimentary medal to display on your website, blog, social media—wherever you wish. Click the image below and contact me to receive a full size PNG medal. Thanks again!

Favorite Reads 2021

I received complimentary copies of some of these books for honest reviews, which you’ll find in the posts I’ve linked to.

I look forward to these awards all year! As my blog is all about hope and inspiration, these are the books that most fit that bill for me in 2021 and that I highly recommend to fellow readers. You’ll find them listed in the order I read them, except for some series books that I grouped together.

To the authors of the winning books, if you’d like a medal for making the list, see the bottom of this post.

Flame of Resistance by Tracy Groot

Christian Historical Fiction

A prostitute in Nazi-occupied France takes up the Allied cause. After I dove into this retelling of a well-known biblical figure’s story, it wasn’t too long before I got a feel for the author’s skilled hand and the poignancy of the different characters’ stories. By two-thirds of the way through, I was riveted, feeling on edge through the (sometimes merciless) turns in the plot. I’m going to remember the characters as well as the flashes of brilliance in this grave but redemptive wartime novel.

The Hadassah Covenant by Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olsen

Biblical Fiction/Split-Timeline Thriller

Centuries after a queen saves her people, mortal danger arises again in this sequel to Hadassah: One Night With the King. The story further illustrates how what happened with Esther and Xerxes was no romantic fairy tale, and the queen’s legendary, heroic acts didn’t mean smooth sailing from then on. The novel has a rich plot, affecting imagery, a sharp sense of atmosphere, and such depth of emotion. The characters’ collective journey makes a compelling case for purpose that outlives the limelight and premature conclusions. So powerful.

The Borrowers by Mary Norton, illustrated by Beth and Joe Krush

Classic Children’s Fantasy

Change is coming to a family of little people who live under the kitchen floor… My, what a cozy and delightful adventure this is! Even as much as I loved the story as a kid, it resonates with me on an even deeper level now, especially the differences between the two generations under the floor and the impending need for greater change. The climax is poignant and incredible, and goodness—now I wish I could remember just how well I understood the book’s last line, decades ago. Its irony and mystery hit me soundly this time around.

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

Christian Historical Romance

Two Americans strike up a scheme against the Nazi regime in 1938 Germany. Wow. It’s rare for me to enjoy the “romance” as much as the “historical” in historical romance, but both aspects are strong here. The hero and heroine are natural, engaging characters that come alive on the page, and their chemistry is evident from the start. (And no, I don’t mean “just so attracted to each other’s perfect physical looks” kind of chemistry.) The novel is full of suspense that leads to gut-wrenching action and a series of frightening twists. There’s nuance at the heart of this story, and its messages are compelling and relevant. An excellent piece of work.

Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem and Franklin Endicott and the Third Key by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Children’s Fiction/Chapter Books

Stella’s know-it-all classmate says her poem is full of lies, and her worrier brother Frank comes across a mystery! These two books from the Tales from Deckawoo Drive series amazed me. They’re delightful, laugh-out-loud stories with excellent caricatural illustrations that positively burst with personality. And the wise and valuable lesson Frank learns is far more than a kiddie lesson—even as it’s simple enough for kids to grasp, of course. I’m not exaggerating when I say Frank’s story is one of the best children’s books I’ve ever read.

The Great Lab Escape and The Case of the Tabloid Tattler by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

Middle Grade Mysteries

Mia can read. Mia becomes a sleuth. And Mia is a cat. The literate feline heroine in The Kitten Files mystery series is so blunt and no-nonsense that it’s pretty hilarious at times. I found these quick reads to be clever, exciting, a little heart-tugging, and even pretty adorable. (And that’s saying something coming from a dog lover!) While they’re technically children’s reads, these entertaining tales can appeal to a general audience of folks who’ve got a taste for wholesome, imaginative adventure.

Lost and Found by Jessica Marie Holt

Contemporary Fiction, Short Story

Grief. Compassion. Changes of heart. And hope. Yes, this story is only about thirty pages long. But by no means is it a light, thin, or simplistic tale. It’s at once powerful and understated, contemplative and lovely, with a depth of emotion and understanding. The few characters feel like real, ordinary people, experiencing the painful and beautiful wonder that is life. Life that goes on. I’ve said before that this author is one of the best short story writers I’ve found. And maybe one of these days I’ll get through one of her quick reads without crying. Just maybe.

A Common Life: The Wedding Story by Jan Karon

Christian Fiction

Sixty-two-year-old Father Timothy Kavanagh announces his upcoming nuptials in Book Six of the Mitford Years series. The betrothed couple here has one of the most natural, believable, and intensely romantic relationships I’ve encountered in fiction. As it also takes a significant glimpse into the layered lives of several other Mitford townsfolk, this story brings laugh-out-loud humor, folksy quirks, a little matrimonial chaos, and different perspectives and emotions that come so effortlessly yet profoundly off the page. You’ll want to read at least Books One and Two first to fully appreciate this substantive and beautiful tale.

Entries for 2021’s Favorite Reads giveaway are now closed, but comments on the post are remaining open.

 

Giveaway is open to U.S. residents and mailing addresses only in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Two randomly determined winners, one for each book, will be notified by email on Saturday, December 11, 2021. If a winner does not respond by Sunday, December 12, 2021, a different entrant will be selected. Add p[dot]prospects[at]live[dot]com to your address book to ensure that a giveaway notification isn’t sent to your junk mail/spam box. For additional giveaway terms, see the Blog Giveaways and Giveaway Privacy information on my Policies page. Entering the giveaway indicates your agreement to the terms.

You can get your reading started by picking up free copies of The Great Lab Escape and The Movement of Crowns (one of my books). Be sure to check the prices before downloading!

Friendship. Laughter and pain. And the miracle of second chances.
Now is a great time to pick up a romance collection that has some of my personal favorites,
For Every Love: Three Romantic Reads.

Congratulations, authors, and thank you for writing your books! If I’ve selected yours as a Favorite Read this year, you’re welcome to a complimentary medal to display on your website, blog, social media—wherever you wish. Click the image below and contact me to receive a full size PNG medal. Thanks again!

 

 

Favorite Reads 2020

I received complimentary copies of some of these books for honest reviews, which you’ll find in the posts I’ve linked to.

I look forward to these awards all year! As my blog is all about hope and inspiration, these are the books that most fit that bill for me in 2020 and that I highly recommend to fellow readers. You’ll find them listed in the order I read them.

To the authors of the winning books, if you’d like a medal for making the list, see the bottom of this post.

Broken Strings by Eric Walters and Kathy Kacer

Middle Grade Fiction

Her grandfather’s old violin is tied to a tragic family secret. This middle grade novel addresses a dark subject (evidenced by the barbed wire and Star of David on the cover) without having the depressing overall texture/mood of dry gloom that I find in other books that go to such painful places. The read becomes richer as it goes along, taking history and the need to recognize the value of all humanity, weaving it with the young heroine’s personal journey and heritage, and culminating in a beautiful, redemptive finish that tugged on my soul.

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Young Adult Courtroom Drama

He’s young. He’s Black. And he’s on trial in a murder case. What I appreciate most about this story is that it isn’t the oversimple, “hot social issue“-driven tale it could have been. Yes, it relevantly takes a social climate into account, but it isn’t merely using that to spin a drama together, nor is it just a ride or a race to figure out whodunit. Rather, this is a story of lost innocence. It’s a story of reflection, of questions. Haunting questions. And its value is in its inherent challenge to readers, especially (but not only) young adults, to form a habit of reflecting, of seriously thinking about what’s important before trouble demands it.

Come Juneteenth by Ann Rinaldi

Young Adult Historical Fiction

She never thought of her beloved sister as a slave, but now that isn’t enough. Wow. Knowing the kind of hard-hitting and poignant young adult stories Rinaldi can deliver, I probably should have been better prepared emotionally for this story of injustice, violence, and human relationships. The novel depicts flawed human beings and shows what happens when you have to face where you, and other people in the place you fondly call home, have been profoundly wrong. Yet, this tragic story has glimmers of hope for healing and for learning from the past.

The Bruised Princess by A.G. Marshall

Fantasy, Short Story

A young woman on the run. A place of sanctuary. And a strange trap? Admittedly, I wasn’t expecting a whole lot when I jumped into this short, fairy-tale reimagining of The Princess and the Pea. But, my, what a well-spun story this romantic read is! What I like most is that, yes, although the heroine is a victim, this is more than a tale of a damsel in distress getting saved. She has more to offer to play a purposeful, active part in the course of her life—and the course of another’s. It’s a thrill when stories I stumble upon far exceed my expectations.

Petrified Flowers by Joiya Morrison-Efemini

Christian Fiction, Young Adult Fiction

Six young sisters. A devastating tragedy. And what it takes for them to bloom—written as a novel-in-verse. This author writes with the deft and nuanced hand of a true poet and novelist combined, illustrating through selective, lyrical language how verbosity isn’t required to tell a deep, complex, and hard-hitting story. The book addresses a number of issues through a cast of diverse, convincingly flawed characters, and I was awed here, cut to the core there, and in for some surprises. Whether readers are within or past their YA stage of life, many would do well to read this poignant, sobering, beautiful, brilliantly written novel.

For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World by Michael W. Waters, illustrated by Keisha Morris

Children’s Fiction, Social Issues

He’s a kid with hard questions about real-life events… I looked at all of the awesome illustrations in this book first, feeling the tug of tears before I even read a word. Then I started over and read the words, appreciating this serious and accessible story of perplexity, grief, frustration, love, and compassion. A poignant story that’s handled with respect, wisdom, and an inspiring measure of hope. Children of all colors and backgrounds need stories like this, so that they don’t end up as teenagers or adults who are uninformed—or misinformed with a lot to unlearn. Oh, and there’s a detailed guide in the back of the book to help with starting these important discussions in the classroom or at home. Excellent!

The Hero Feat of Hannah Helstrom by J. Philip Horne

Middle Grade Fantasy, Short Story

The Guild of Sevens’ worst superhero has to use what she’s got—now. First off: WOW to this! It’s pretty amazing because even though it was no shock for me to find out what Hannah’s big moment would be, her journey to get there and the way she navigates through it is still so compelling. Hannah’s training, mettle, heart, unselfishness, and quick thinking come into play in the face of an incredibly daunting task. Yet, she’s so down-to-earth (with a little edge of dry humor) that she keeps the story real instead of corny. An awesome read from the Guild of Sevens series.

My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Lost Love by Amanda Barratt

Christian Biographical Fiction

He’s a German pastor, plotting against the Nazi regime. And falling in love. The sensitive and nuanced way the author develops the main characters kept me engrossed in this sober, heartrending novel. It has wonderful imagery, and its scattered moments of joy are earned. The romance here has a slow burn of emotional depth made more intense through ever-lurking peril. I ached at times through the tragedy and beauty of this story. And reading it impressed upon me the more how crucial it is for us not to merely romanticize history but to purposely learn from it—and to remember it in the midst of our critical present.

Entries for 2020’s Favorite Reads giveaway are now closed, but comments on the post are remaining open.

You can get your reading started by picking up free copies of The Hero Feat of Hannah Helstrom and The Movement of Crowns (one of my books). Be sure to check the prices before downloading!

Now is a great time to pick up copies of two more of my personal favorites: Eubeltic Descent and Eubeltic Quest. The series is available for purchase at Amazon, or read the books free with Kindle Unlimited.

Congratulations, authors, and thank you for writing your books! If I’ve selected yours as a Favorite Read this year, you’re welcome to a complimentary medal to display on your website, blog, social media—wherever you wish. Click the image below and contact me to receive a full size PNG medal. Thanks again!

Favorite Reads 2019

I received complimentary copies of some of these books for honest reviews, which you’ll find in the posts I’ve linked to.

I look forward to these awards all year! As my blog is all about hope and inspiration, these are the books that most fit that bill for me in 2019 and that I highly recommend to fellow readers. You’ll find them listed in the order I read them.

My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok

Literary Fiction

Asher’s artistic gift grates against his Hasidic Jewish observance… No, I don’t read many novels this stark and somber in their beauty. Yes, you do have to have an ear for nuance and for the power of what’s left unsaid to hear and appreciate the music and poetry behind such a narrative. I empathized with this coming-of-age story that depicts the impossible pain of becoming a creative. A fine, raw, magnificent novel.

Long Road Home and On the Other Side by Jessica Marie Holt

Literary Fiction, Short Stories

*Long Road Home is a 2019 Favorite Cover Pick*

Even with Nate’s flaws, there’s hope for him. And who knew that helping an elderly neighbor would change Kevin’s life? This author is one of the best short story writers I’ve found in quite a while. Such a simple (but not simplistic), deft, poignant style. Such an understanding of human nature, with its strengths and its weaknesses. It’s brilliant when a story can manage to break my heart and then deeply inspire me in less than a half-hour of reading, and these inspiring reads are stellar examples of just how much short fiction can mean and what it can say without saying too much.

A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker

Christian Fiction, Historical/Biblical Fiction

Some call Maviah a slave. Others call her a queen. And a Jewish mystic, Yeshua, may change her life. This story of an Arab woman, her perilous journey through desert sands with two warrior allies, and the vast scope of the novel (including but beyond the confines of a simple “Jesus” tale), romanced me as I read. Besides the intrigue and harrowing aspects of this poignantly-rendered epic, what made it an amazing read for me was the space it gave me to wrestle with mysteries, as the Way is indeed a mysterious one.

Songbird and Other Stories by Jennifer Lamont Leo

Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Short Stories

*Includes The Christmas Robe, a 2019 Christmas Book Pick*

Four short ‘n’ sweet tales set during the Jazz Age? Yes, please! Sometimes you just need to sit for a little while with something you’re sure is going to hit the spot. I needed something quick, uplifting, and entertaining, and that’s what I got. This is a great collection to read before or after this author’s Roaring Twenties novels. No, you don’t have to read the novels first to follow these tales, but you’ll want to find out the rest about these characters if you haven’t. They’re the cat’s pajamas!

The String by Caleb Breakey

Christian Fiction, Psychological Suspense

*A 2019 Favorite Cover Pick*

Markus is determined to stop the deadly social experiment of a sociopath: The Conductor. What I like most about a core group of characters trapped in “the string” is that they’re thinking people who choose to be proactive. Even a few of the key female characters who could’ve easily been the helpless or hysterical damsels in distress are instead rational women who’ve got grit. This isn’t a basic “shoot ’em up and catch the bad guy” story with a neat and tidy ending. It’s psychological warfare with spiritual impact, and if you let the central message really hit you (as it hit me), then you’ll likely begin to anticipate the next book in the Deadly Games series.

Fifty-Five: City Edition by Tearra Rhodes

Christian Fiction, Contemporary Flash Fiction

The city’s bustle and city dwellers’ hearts: fifty-five words at a time. This collection is quite a credit to the art of flash fiction. So much can be wrapped up in just a few words when a writer knows how to wield them, and page after page in this short book takes a close and compelling look at life, with faith woven in. Some of the stories are connected to pack a bonus punch, while others get the job done on their own. One of them even brought tears to my eyes. Just that fast. In fifty-five words. Whether you’re new to the world of microfiction or not, I’d encourage you to give this inspirational collection a go.

Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett

Christian Fiction, Biblical Fiction

*A 2019 Favorite Cover Pick*

A young Jewish woman, stolen from the life she loved. Stolen by a king. The strength of this novel about Esther is in the way it tackles difficult, sacred tension. How it paints a bold but deft picture of schemes, depression, injustice, murder, and suicide in a realm of royalty and excess. How it addresses so many ironies, not the least of which is the pairing of power and imprisonment. It’s a substantive account of a woman in an impossible situation, using what resources she can to save her people, and even to empower other women. It’s beautiful. “The king has asked for a whore; I will show him a queen.”

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Contemporary Fiction, Middle Grade Graphic Novel

Twelve-year-old Jordan wants to go to art school, not to a school where he’ll be different. I picked this novel up because of the race/diversity issue it addresses, and it resonated with me in a number of places on that score. But the novel doesn’t get caught up in being so issue-y that it ceases to be entertaining, accessible, and inclusive. Jordan’s story strikes a balance between the downright hilarious parts and parts that can prick your heart or make your stomach drop. It packs in both obvious and understated genius, and no matter your age, if you can relate to being “new” or different, it’d be hard not to take away something awesome from a book like this.

Clean Hands by Richard B. Knight

Christian Fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story

Can Instinct survive a critical battle in a human’s shaky dream world? Wow to this. I needed a quick read when I picked up this allegorical kind of sci-fi short. I was gradually drawn in by Instinct’s discussions with Imagination and Logic, then came some crucial action I might expect in a sci-fi adventure. But I didn’t expect that I’d be “wowing” aloud the instant I realized where the story was going. Then it did indeed go there, and I “wowed” again. The story doesn’t linger too long at its destination. And yes, to fully appreciate it, you do already have to be familiar with that ending place, but… Yeah. Quite a read from a new-to-me author.

You can get your reading started by picking up free Kindle copies of On the Other Side, Fifty-Five: City Edition, Clean Hands, and The Movement of Crowns (one of my books). Be sure to check the prices before downloading!

Now is a great time to pick up a copy of another of my personal favorites, based on a true story: World of the Innocent. Pick it up at Amazon, or click here to find links to more stores.