Pages

31 December 2015

Noela's List of 2015 Favorite's!

2015 Favorite Books

Here are a few of my Favorite Books of 2015 in no particular order!
Those particular authors featured here who released more than one full-length book this year, I had to limit it to one though I loved ALL your books!

If you would like to purchase any of these amazing reads, please click on the titles!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
NOVELS

The Reckoning by MaryLu Tyndall
The Reckoning is a thrilling high seas adventure that ships the reader back in time to experience swashbuckling pirates in the Caribbean with all of its treachery and peril, a beguiling romance, and a faith that transcends time! Exhilarating, unpredictable, and brilliantly written!

Nila's Hope by Kathleen Friesen
In Nila's Hope, Nila emerges from a past of suffocating control and torment, but as she begins to breath again, she discovers her dangerous ex-boyfriend has acquired an early prison release. Can Nila ever hope for a life free to love, laugh, and live without fear? Kathleen Friesen has crafted a powerful and thrilling story that shimmers with love, forgiveness, and hope!

The Lost Heiress
In The Lost Heiress, Roseanna White delivers an exquisite tale of a spirited young woman who learns she is a long-lost Baroness from England. However, mysteries and deception surround the woman creating a story rife with suspense, danger, and intrigue. Along with an enchanting albeit heart-wrenching love story, this Edwardian-period tale enthralls from the beginning to the satisfying end!

Flee From Evil
‘Flee from Evil’ is a story of second beginnings from shameful pasts that pulsates with breath-taking suspense and heart-wrenching experiences. In other words, it’s a read that’ll knock your socks off! Can the woman who was once almost destroyed by the man who is now her pastor, trust him to use his underworld connections to help save her child? This is a gripping story of heartbreak, hope, and forgiveness.  

In Good Company
An unconventional nanny in need of a job after losing yet another position; a man of society needing a nanny for his three unruly wards. Can these factors meld together cohesively? Not really, but that's half the fun! If you enjoy clever humor and slapstick comedy along with mystery, romance, and an inspiring faith message, you're 'In Good Company' with Jen Turano's entertaining novel!

The Golden Braid
'The Golden Braid' delivers a sublimely executed retelling of the classic tale Rapunzel ~ flourishing with chivalrous and daring deeds, burgeoning faith, and a beautifully enchanting though conflicted romance. Taking place during the 15th century, we visit imposing castles and encounter heroic knights. This is an exquisite happy-ever-after novel!

Anna's Crossing
In their quest for freedom from oppression, a close-knit Amish community in 1737 sets sail from Germany to the New World in the wretched bowels of a ship. Journey along with Anna who serves as the groups interpreter as they experience terrible hardship and danger. Anna, an inspiring woman of courage and determination has a thing or two to teach the stalwart ship's carpenter. Memorable!!

Isle of Hope
Punchy, passionate, and powerful!! That’s the sort of writing Julie Lessman delivers. From characters with raw, penetrating emotions that tied me up in knots and tears, to the most compelling, God-given story-thread I’ve ever read on forgiveness. This is a novel that has the potential to change your life. Moreover, expect exquisite descriptive writing, two romances that squeeze your heart, and Julie’s trademark surprises! 

Undercover Bride
Pinkerton detective Maggie Cartwright has been assigned the daunting task of going undercover as a mail-order bride to the the man suspected of being the Whistle-Stop Bandit. Her mission is to dazzle this alleged thief and murderer while searching for evidence to be used against him. But Maggie has barely arrived in Arizona Territory when the wedding is moved up, so she is desperate to discover incriminating evidence before she finds herself married to a criminal! This is a baffling mystery incorporating phenomenal characters and a thoroughly entertaining story!

So True A Love
Doctor Nathaniel Smith is passionate and fiercely loyal in his stance as a patriot, working as a committee chairman for the cause. Nathaniel is torn when realizing he has deep affections for a Kitty, a Tory! Unable to reconcile the differences, he must fight against his disloyal heart. Seeing Kitty tortured through her secrets however, batters his feelings and tears at his resolve. Will Nathaniel and Kitty ever get beyond their barriers to find liberty in life and in love? Or will they be robbed of everything as the danger mounts and secrets are revealed? You'll be swept up in this tale!

Faking Grace
'Faking Grace' is an entertaining, heart-warming, and emotive tale, showcasing a young woman’s jarring journey into what being a real Christian is all about as she attempts to fake her way through. A master wordsmith—Tamara's skill at penning stories rife with wit and vibrant dialogue, is rarely unparalleled and always a pleasure to read! 


The Mistress of Tall Acre
In 'The Mistress of Tall Acre', General Ogilvy emerges from the horrific Revolutionary War with his family torn apart. Picking up the pieces, he forms a bond with Sophie his neighbor as she befriends his young daughter. As he and Sophie draw closer, a ghost from the past appears—promising more turmoil and pain than the war imparted upon him. Shrouded in intrigue, deception, and danger, this exquisite story is also adorned with a romance that touches your soul and spirit. 


SHORT NOVEL

Lilacs for Juliana

Set in 1891, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where enormous pines and scented lilacs dominate, 'Lilacs for Juliana' sees new boss Richard (Moose) Christy readying his first lumber camp. This gigantic lumberjack fell for the petite librarian Juliana much like the toppling of a towering pine, but with several obstacles between them, can Moose and Juliana cross the bridge to a happy ever after? This is a wonderfully enchanting, page-turning story! 


NOVELLA’S

With This Kiss
'With This Kiss' is an outstanding, original, and superbly-written collection of novellas from five of the finest Historical Romance authors! Giving you hours of unsurpassed reading pleasure, these novellas will easily generate luminous grins, hammering hearts, cascading tears, and spiritual uplifting! For such a low price, this enrapturing collection is amazing value!

The Substitute Bride
‘The Substitute Bride’ sweeps you up in an enchanting, heart-warming novella that gifts the reader with the message that we are never just a substitute, but chosen specifically by God for His joy and purpose. Upon unwrapping this gift, you’ll discover an engaging story where the past and present collide to create a future of love, healing, and hope! A wonderful story! 

Manila Marriage App
A missionary man in Manila who advertises for a bride. A young woman who sees this modern day mail-order bride experience only as an opportunity for a much-needed free holiday. What can go wrong? Or perhaps, right? The story… fun, witty, and completely engaging. The romance… sweet, delightful, and inspiring! You’ll love this! 

* ~ ** ~ ** ~ ** ~ ** ~ ** ~ ** ~ ** ~ ** ~





GIVEAWAY:  One blessed commenter will win their choice of an E-book copy of one of the amazing books I have mentioned above! 

To be eligible for the drawing please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself against spammers. 

76 comments:

  1. Wow thanks so much Noela!!! You and Diana have blessed my socks off!!! I am in some amazing company with these books and authors. Hugs!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just LOVED The Substitute Bride and Lilacs for Juliana, CARRIE! As noted in my intro, I only chose one book from each author, although with many I read more than one of their books over the year. Including yours. Therefore I snuck a few of those extra books onto the cover photo! ;) Hugs back Carrie!!

      Delete
  2. There's only a couple of books on your list that I haven't already read or put on my Amazon Wish List. I just discovered Connie Almony this past year, but haven't read Flee From Evil. It's nice to see her mentioned on your list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I'm so glad you've also discovered Connie Almony's brilliant stories, TERRILL!! I hope many others will be inspired to give her books a go! Thanks so much for your comment and all the best!

      Delete
    2. Terrill, I hope you get a chance to read Flee from Evil. A few of the other authors on this list have been inspirations for me. God Bless!

      Delete
  3. Great list! Adding to my tbr list for sure on those that I've not read. Several I see are on many's fave list....I'll definitely need to add those! Personal fave on your list are Isle of Hope and In Good Company! Yay!
    justcommonly(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks ANNIE, I'm excited to hear that you're adding these books to your list! You're in for some extremely memorable reading!! :-)

      Delete
  4. Thank you, Noela! Honored to be on your list of favs. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy New Year to you too, Tamara! Thanks for writing those fabulous books. You've given me a great many hours of exquisite reading pleasure!!

      Delete
  5. Such wonderful selections Noela. Have enjoyed your reviews so much and am so happy that I can call you my friend. Although some of the authors are friends through Heart"wings" there are many who will be new to me. Looking forward to reading them all in 2016. Thanks for the opportunity to possibly win one of these books! Joyce * Heartwings email:joyce1510(d0t)jrg(at)gmail(d0t)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh thank you so much, JOYCE! It's a blessing to know you and to read your inspiring posts on Heartwings! I hope you will be blessed in getting to know all these amazing authors and their wonderful works over the new year!

      Delete
  6. Noela, you bless me again. I am so grateful to be mentioned on your 2015 list ... and with so many other authors whose books I love. I'm super-excited to see Jan Elder's debut novella on here!!! Manilla Marriage App was such an entertaining read!
    God Bless!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's my pleasure, CONNIE, for I truly have thoroughly enjoyed your extraordinary books and long for everyone else to have the opportunity to do likewise!! I'm thankful to you as well, for introducing me to Jan Elder and her brilliant little novella! God bless and happy New Year!

      Delete
  7. Awesome list, my dear Aussie cohort! I see some of my fave authors on there, NOELA, and some I'd love to try! Happy 2016 with heaps of blessings...and books, of course. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks dear DIANA... I have to shake my head at how many absolutely, fabulous books there are out there... Too many to read them all unfortunately, but at least between the two of us we can cover quite a few!! Happy New Year sweet friend!

      Delete
  8. Thank you, dear Noela! I am SO honored to be listed with these amazing authors!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome Kathleen, and I must thank YOU for writing such an exciting and inspiring book!! Can hardly wait to read your next one! :)

      Delete
  9. SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! Thank you, THANK YOU, Noela, for putting me on your list for 2015, I am beyond blessed, my friend, to you and ALL the incredible OWG ladies for your continued support and friendship!!!

    And like I told Diana yesterday, being on a list with some of MY favorite authors that was compiled by one of MY favorite bloggers/reviewers is totally AWESOME, but the real icing on the cake is the connection we have forged that has become a precious friendship!

    God bless you, my friend, and I wish you and yours and ALL the OWG angels and readers a HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND HOLY NEW YEAR!!

    Hugs and more hugs,
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You make me GRIN, Julie, I just love you, AND I love your books!! They are all sooo enjoyable, entertaining, and inspiring... and an absolute TREAT to read! Hugs, and a very happy, healthy, and holy New Year to you and yours too!

      Delete
  10. Great list with amazing books! It is clear that you have enjoyed reading in the past year. :) Happy New Year, Aussie, & hugs! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are very perceptive, Dutchy! ;) The level of enjoyment from the range of books this past year has been phenomenal!! Happy New Year and big hugs back! x

      Delete
  11. Thank you SO much for including the With this Kiss Collection! You guys rock! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks PAM! :-) Without a doubt, With This Kiss was one of the best collections I read this past year! You rock too just btw! ;)

      Delete
  12. Dear Noela, I hope this finds you sleeping & happily ensconced in 2016! Love your comments about each book here, all so unique & a reflection of your gracious heart. Thank you for taking time for Tall Acre. When I began publishing I never dreamed there would be someone who would read my stories & shine a special light from your corner of the globe. What a huge blessing you are!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not sleeping yet, but still trying to get there lol. I think I need another snack now actually. ;) LAURA, I truly adored 'Tall Acre' and I'm so grateful to have discovered your exquisite stories. They are a highlight of my year! God bless!!

      Delete
  13. Oh my!! Now, I have even more books to put on my TBR pile!! Noela, THANK YOU!! I'm leaping for Joy this morning and praising God for blessing me so much to be on such outstanding lists with such great authors!! You bless my socks off!! I love these year end lists and I'm so honored you included my book. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! And Happy New Years Eve to all!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh MaryLu, I just love ALL your phenomenal books, but I almost have no words for how amazing The Reckoning was!! Thank YOU for the labor of love, prayer, and dedication in writing these incredible books. Happy New Year and God bless!!!

      Delete
  14. Great picks!!! I also loved Mistress of Tall Acre, Anna's Crossing, and So True a Love. Adding your other recommendations to my ever growing to-read list! :)

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks HEIDI, I think so too, lol! Those lists keep growing don't they, but that's a great thing that there's so many incredible books to choose from!! How great were those 3 you mentioned!! :-)

      Delete
  15. Wow, thank you so much for a list of books by mostly new to me authors! My my New Year's resolution for this year is to read two new authors a week. With this list I am on my way!

    lorenzc at abbnebraska dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's awesome CJ, what a great New Year's resolution!! You sure can't go wrong with these authors! Here's to many enjoyable reading hours ahead of you!! :- )

      Delete
  16. Thanks for this opportunity. dixiegran@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. THANK YOU, Noela, for including Manila Marriage App in your favorites. What I am most excited about is having a ready-made go-to list to start the new year. Connie Almony, Carrie Fancett Pagels, and Kathleen Friesen are already on my favorite authors list and I look forward to reading everyone else's highly recommended books. God Bless You all in 2016. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure, JAN! Thanks for such a fun and wonderful read in Manila Marriage App! Happy reading in 2016!! :-)

      Delete
  19. New books to add to my TBR pile! I have read some of them already, and the rest look just as awesome!
    Thank you for the giveaway:)

    lientjiehuman(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)au

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes, some awesome reads in that list LIENTJIE, so enjoy!! All the best!!

      Delete
  20. My TBR list grew again..lol. Thanks for sharing your list of some of your favorites, Noela. Thanks for the giveaway as well :)
    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha they have a funny way of doing that BETTI, especially after these end-year-lists!! ;) But I hope you enjoy them all and get as much pleasure as I did out of them! You're welcome and thanks Betti!

      Delete
  21. I see we like a lot of the same books.. I see quite a few of your favorites in my stacks :)
    Happy New Year to you all at OWG...
    dkstevensne)at)outlook(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have awesome taste, DEANNA! ;) Happy New Year to you too from myself and the team!!

      Delete
  22. Great list, Noela.....so many I'd love to read. Thanks for your giveaway. You are a blessing on this blog. Happy New Year!
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh thank you so much JACKIE, you are a blessing too my friend! Here's to a win so that you can start off the new year with one of these great books!! :-)

      Delete
  23. A marvellous selection.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks MARY, all the best and a very Happy New Year!!

      Delete
  24. Thanks for this amazing list of books! I've only read a few so my TBR list has grown considerably. Thank you for the opportunity to win a book.

    pwestfall7 at hotmail com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome PAM, and I'm glad to have contributed to your ever-expanding TBR list!! All the very best!

      Delete
  25. Thank you for sharing your list and for the chance to win one. Happy and blessed New a Year.
    leliamae54@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure LUCY... On both counts!! Be blessed this new year!!

      Delete
  26. So many great authors and stories here. I think my favorite was "Mistress of Tall Acre"...and you've given me so many ideas on more to pick up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cool, TARA!! Always happy to add books to everyone's lists! :-)

      Delete
  27. Great list of favorite books Noela! I have read several of the books on your list and have many of the others on my ever sooooo very long to be read list.
    Blessings,Tina
    tfrice(at)comcast(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you TINA, it's hard to get those lists down isn't it because more gems continue to be released all the time! But it's a great 'first-world' problem to have. ;) God bless you!!

      Delete
  28. Noela, thank you for your list and for including my book. I feel truly honored. I've read some but not all of these books. It looks like I'm going to have a full month of reading ahead of me! Happy New Year and God bless!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much MARGARET... I have to say that I am blessed each time I read one of your books! I'm truly going to miss these feisty Undercover Ladies, but I'm eager to see what's next also! :-) Thanks for coming by, and happy reading!

      Delete
    2. I should correct that reply... I meant to say I will really miss those Undercover Ladies AFTER your next book (3rd book in the series) is released which will be very, very soon!! Although I have read it already I still get to share it with everyone here in a few days time! :)

      Delete
  29. Replies
    1. I would love you to win also CHARIS, but for you to have that chance I will need your email so I'm really hoping you come back before the weekend is over!

      Delete
  30. Noela, I always trust your recommendations, because I know we have similar taste in great books. This is a delicious list! I've had so many books stacked in my To Be Read pile that I haven't had the chance to read a single one of these. So I'm adding them. Maybe to the top of the pile. :) Thanks for all the hours you invest in writers and books. You gals at OWG are our champions! Happy New Year to you all. xxxooo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh thank you so much, MARCIA, you are so sweet. We certainly do invest a lot of hours in what we do, but it is a very rewarding investment. :-) I'm so glad you are adding these delicious books to your TBR pile... And I think the top is a very good place for them to be lol... I know you will derive much pleasure and inspiration from them all as I have. A very Happy New Year to you from us all here at OWG. We love you!

      Delete
  31. NOELA, Fantastic list of books! I LOVED The Substitute Bride and Lilacs for Juliana. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CARYL, I agree 100% with everything you wrote my friend!! :-) Happy New Year to you, too. And thank you SO much for the wonderful support you give us all! Hugs!!

      Delete
  32. Have read many of these authors and enjoyed them, esp MaryLu Tyndall and Laura Franz's! Just haven't read these particular books.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KATE, I sure would love to give you a chance to win one of these amazing books, but I will need your email addy to put you in the draw!

      Delete
  33. Such a wonderful list of marvelous books, Noela - thank you!! The ones I haven't read will, of course, be added to my toppling TBR pile. Aren't we blessed to have such gifted authors to write such inspiring books for us??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bonnie, I know you will be blessed by and enjoy these books enormously once you get to them in that precarious tilting tower of TBR books! :-) Oh and yep, we sure are blessed by the enormous talent of these gifted authors!

      Delete
  34. Oh wow some good reads. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yeah, KIM! :-) And I hope you, and everyone, gets to enjoy every single one of them as well!

      Delete
  35. The Mistress of Tall Acre was one of my favorites of the year!

    pattymh2000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It certainly was a special one, PATTY, that's for sure and certain! :-)

      Delete
  36. Great list! I'm adding these to my wishlist! Thank you for the giveaway!

    betherin02(at) gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's awesome BETH, and I WISH that you'll get to read every one of them! :-) All the best!

      Delete
  37. Great reviews on all of them. They all sound fantastic! Happy New Year! Sarahsmithstorm@gmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hello Noela. A great list of books you have here. I'm interested in all of them. I have a few. Don't how all of you read so many books with everything you have to do. I am a slow reader tho don't seem slow to me while reading. But takes me way longer with each book. :( Hoping to win. Not on here much for haven't felt like being on my computer much for a while. But still love OWG girls and these other friends. Hugs, Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

    ReplyDelete

Google Analytics