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24 January 2016

Books of the Year List by Carrie Fancett Pagels



Novel of the Year

Brentwoods' Ward by Michelle Griep


Debut Novel of the Year
Debut Christian fiction of the Year

Sword of Forgiveness by Debbie Lynne Costello


Other Favorite Books of the Year

SERIES that I can't wait to read so I've used my Kindle!
As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad

FABULOUS Series by Lorna Seilstad!





In Good Company by Jen Turano
Another Fabulous Series!


After a Fashion also by Jen Turano

To Win Her Favor

Also part of a fabulous series!






NOVELLAS of the Year



Novellas of the Year

 To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
(Also available in audiobook format) This is part of a collection but available individually.


Bibliotherapy Novella of the Year



Other Novellas of the Year
The Skiing Suitor by Niki Turner
Part of the "A Love's Sporting Chance" collection from Forget-Me-Not Books

With This Kiss Historical Collection

His Beloved Bride by Ruth Logan Herne and  
Grace Like Rain by Julie Lessman 
(The entire With This Kiss Historical Collection was lovely!)

Novella Collection of the Year - Most Eligible Bachelor from Barbour. All of the novellas in this collection are wonderfully done and I read all of them! This is my favorite of all the Barbour collections I have read to date! 

In this collection DEBUT Novella of 2015: Susie Dietze, Love's Reward 

  • The Highwayman by Shannon McNear
  • Four Brides And A Bachelor by Gabrielle Meyer
  • Baker's Dozen by Gina Welborn
  • A Doctor's Agreement by Cynthia Hickey
  • The Final Baker Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo
  • The Most Ineligible Bachelor In Town by Connie Stevens
  • A Bride For A Bargain by Amanda Barratt
  • Archeologist's Find- by Erica Vetsch
Other lovely collections with great stories by talented authors (Some of these I read while recovering from major surgery in the spring and enjoyed so much!) 


The Convenient Brides a great collection which includes wonderful novellas like those by Gabrielle Meyer - "A Groom for Josette," and Erica Vesch - "A Bride for Bear," stories from Andrea Boeschaar, Jennifer Uhlarik, Melissa Jagears' great story with "mature" characters and more!

Homestead Brides was SO GOOD!!! Wonderful novellas from some great authors!  A delightful collection. Ruth Logan Herne's "Prairie Promises" and Carla Olson Gade's "Proving Up" were two of my favorites, but all were so well done. One of the most moving tales was written by DiAnn Mills. Add in Pam Hillman's, Mary Connealy's, Erica Vetsch's, Kathleen Y'Barbo's, Darlene Franklin's and Becca Whitham's novellas and you have many novellas to keep you busy reading enjoyably for a long time!

I have to include the 2015 collection Christmas Traditions (Forget-Me-Not Romances, July 2015) because even though I am in it with The Fruitcake Challenge, I don't want to omit all the wonderful stories and authors in this collection, which stayed at the #1 spot on Amazon for anthologies for a long time and on the top #5 through Christmas. It includes a new 2015 novella by Angela Breidenbach plus wonderful stories by Cynthia Hickey, Gina Welborn (who spearheaded the collectin), Patty Smith Hall, Niki Turner, Darlene Franklin, and Jennifer AlLee.


GIVEAWAY: Paperback copy of Brentwood's Ward by Michelle Griep and another winner will receive Ebook or paperback (USA only unless available on BD) of choice of any of these books! Answer these questions: How many of these books were on your favorites list and which are you most yearning to read?  If you are like me there are probably many books you didn't get to read this year that you hope to catch up on!

80 comments:

  1. Thank you, Carrie! What a blessing to be included on this list. I am so grateful.

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    1. Loved your debut novella and it is worthy of being Debut Novella of the year! Great job on it, Susie! Blessings!

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  2. I love them all. What a great selection on books. I read most of the books the only ones I didn't get to read are "The Convenient Brides", "The Most Eligible Bachelor" and "As Love Blooms." Thank you for the Giveaway.
    m

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    1. Oh, do not miss out, Tammy! Praying for you in the giveaway!!!

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  3. would love to win. angelachesnut246@gmail.com

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  4. I would love to read them all!! :) Thanks for the chance to entered in the giveaway :)

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  5. What a great list, CARRIE! 2015 was such a great year for full-length books and novellas! I have the paperback version of Brentwood's Ward. I have heard so many good things about it, but haven't had a chance to read it yet! The young lady on the cover has Betty Davis eyes. lol

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    1. Diana, Michelle Griep's writing is so excellent that I almost gave up my own!!!

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  6. Hey Carrie!
    Delighted you're enjoying the new series! Thanks for the shout out - and I wish all the readers good luck with the giveaway:)

    Happy Reading in 2016.

    All the best,

    Jen

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  7. After reviewing your list, now all of them are on my reading list! The only author I've read in this list is Tamera Alexander-although in the multi-collections, I have read some of them :) What a GREAT giveaway and chance win one of these awesome reads! Thank you so much for doing this for your readers! Have a Blessed day!

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    1. Thanks Wenona! Wow, you have been missing out! Lots more wonderful authors out there.

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  8. O..awesome list. I've read only 5 of those including In Good Company and After a Fashion that's definitely up there for best series for me! I also had fun with the novella collections, With This Kiss and The Convenient Bride Collections! I still have sooooo many 2015 novels that have not graced my eyes and heart yet. Really need to make reading a full time job!

    I will definitely add Brentward's Ward on my TBR list since it's your novel of the year. Many others will be added as well, but anticipating Brentwood! Please put my name in the lovely giveaway hat. Thabk you! Have a blessed weekend!
    Annie JC
    justcommonly(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hey Annie, I think we love a lot of the same books!!!You stay warm and safe!

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  9. CARRIE!!! Soooo appreciate you including Grace Like Rain in your novella faves, my friend -- what a blessing -- both it AND you!! :)

    And I've heard such good things about Brentwood's Ward that I can't wait to read it! And I totally agree about Debbie Lynn's debut -- LOVED it!!!

    Thanks again, my friend, for incredible support.

    Hugs and more hugs,
    Julie

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    1. Was so delighted to read this wonderful novella, Julie! You are very welcome! When I read Brentwood's Ward I almost gave up writing, it is done so well by Michelle Griep, such a perfect historical romance and suspense combined! Hugs and more hugs back!

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  10. I have read Sword of Forgiveness. The others I haven't read, but they all look good. I can't decide which one I looking forward to reading the most. Thank you for this giveaway.
    susanmsj at msn dot com

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    1. Oh Susan, you have got to add all these books to your like for reading! Thanks for coming by!

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    2. Susan CONGRATS on WINNING your choice in ebook or pb of any of the books on my list!!! Blessings!

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  11. What an awesome list!


    Ember99 at hotmail.com

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    1. Thanks, Marsha, I had so many great books to choose from!

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  12. Yay Kate!!! Praying you will win!!! Thanks for coming by!

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  13. Brentwood's Ward is definitely in my top list of favorite books. Michelle is a great writer. And Debbie Lynn's book is right up there, too. I'm excited about her new book. There are so many great books out there.....so little time! Please put my name in the drawing for Brentwood's Ward.
    debsbunch777(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Putting your name in the hat, Debbie! These others are so good. I was blessed to get some through NetGalley which really helped the budget! Many blessings, friend!

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  14. I'm really looking forward to reading Brentwood's Ward and To Win Her Favor. I don't think I've actually read any of the others.

    Pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  15. Have read In Good Company and After A Fashion. Have Convenient Bride collection but haven't had a chance to read it yet. Looking forward to reading Brentwood's Ward and To Mend a Dream.
    But so many others too! I read and reviewed 58 books last year and hope to do that many and maybe a little more this year. tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Gail, crack open that Convenient Bride collection and get reading!!! Good for you to read and review so many, Gail, God bless you!

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  16. Brentwood's Ward did interest me. Most of these I had not heard of. Looks like some more good reading to add to my already big pile. Thanks!

    Diane
    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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    1. Hey Diane, the writing for that book is scary, it is that good! Extraordinary craft combined with fab characters and story. It is one I will reread as part of my own writing journey because it is a great example of the right way to do things! Blessings!

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  17. A wonderful list, Carrie - thank you!! I have most of the beautiful books on your list, the others are already on my TBR list - unfortunately, I haven't had time to read all of them. Two on the list I'm most yearning to read are "Brentwood's Ward" and "To Win Her Favor" - both of which I have. Every Christian Fiction book I've read must be a fave as I can't bear to part with any of them, so no explanation needed as to why my condo overflows with books. CBD helps promote my addiction by offering their $.99 book sales (which I just took advantage of), what avid reader could resist?? However, in my defense, I do purchase many books to give as gifts also - love to spread the joy and blessing of books around, and Christian Fiction is some of THE best. SO many gifted authors and inspiring books, including the ones on your list!!

    I agree with, and love, Annie's comment about needing to make reading a full-time job-
    such an enjoyable aspiration!! Although I probably donate as many hours to Christian Fiction as I once did to a full-time job - reading doesn't involve as large a portion of those hours as I would like (although I could accomplish more reading if I didn't like to take the time to savor every word, lol). The 2 blessed commenters who win books from this list are certainly in for a huge reading treat!!

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    1. With the OWG members health issues, it is only GOD who gives us the privilege of reading as many books as we do, right Bonnie? I went through a horrible dry spell that I am just getting past with my reading. Just in time for contest season lol! Blessings!

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    2. Amen, Carrie!! Blessings back - hugs and prayers too!!

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  18. Fantastic, Carrie. Would love to win. Thank you for the chance. Blessings, Robin

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    1. Robin, I am so sorry I couldn't enter you because you didn't answer the questions? Sorry! :(

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  19. There are just not enough hours in the day to read all the books I want to. It is marvellous to know that I will never run out of great books to read.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  20. All of the books look good and I would love to read them all. But I have been reading reviews on Sword of Forgiveness and know I would enjoy the era. I have Two Win Her Favor & Brentwood's Ward and hope to read them one day.

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    1. Hey Brenda, Sword of Forgiveness was a stellar debut by Debbie Lynne Costello! You need to read it! Oh you need to get started on Brentwood's Ward and To Win Her Favor!!! You will love them!!!

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  21. Needless to say, any that I haven't read are now on my TBR list! Brentwood's Ward would top that list. Thanks for the giveaway - would love to win Brentwood's Ward. I have read a few of them, but I must check my library site to see if I can borrow some of the others!
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. Betti, Michelle Griep lives in your neck of the woods! I hope you get to read her novel soon!!! Blessings!

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  22. To Win Her Favor would be at the top of my list. Tamera Alexander is a great author. I've read several of her books. I will have to add all of the other books to my TBR list. They all sound like wonderful books. Thanks for the giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. Hey Donna! Tamera is one of my favorite authors! She makes writing Christian Historical Fiction look easy (it is not of course!) Yes, add the others to your list, too! Blessings!

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  23. Loved all those books, Carrie, great list!! I think the only 2 that I haven't read were two of the collections - The Convenient Bride and the The Homestead Brides. What can I say... You and I have great taste!! ;)

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    1. Noela you have to read those! Blessings my Aussie Angel.

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  24. What an honor to have my two novellas on your list, Carrie!! I'm in excellent company here. :) This is a great list and one I'm going to share.

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  25. Wow. My little cheeks are burning--and not because it's nippy around here. I am honored indeed to have Brentwood's Ward make the top of your list. That is an achievement! Thanks so much!

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  26. What a great lineup of wonderful books. Many were on my TBR list and I would really love to read Brentwood's Ward.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks, Melanie! Had Britney read Brentwood's Ward yet? I thought you'd have most of these books on your TBR pile! Blessings!

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  27. Wow, what a list of great books and authors you have Carrie! I have read many of them and have several on my ever sooooo long-to-be read list, some of which are on my table waiting for me to read. Am currently reading The Skiing Suitor by Niki Turner.

    Of these I have not read: Brentwoods' Ward by Michelle Griep (Michelle Griep is a new author to me), Sword of Forgiveness by Debbie Lynne Costello, As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad (another new to me author). All sound wonderful.

    Blessings,Tina

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    1. TINA, per Random.org, your comment is the winner for a copy of Brentwood's Ward! Congrats!

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    2. Carrie, What?! I just saw this....Oh wow, that is great. Thank you!
      Blessings,Tina

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  28. I´m really exited to read the As Love Blooms :)

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  29. CARRIE, this is a fabulous list! I have a few in my TBR TOWER.

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  30. Actually, ALL of the full novels are on my list to read. I think Brentwood's Ward would be my top pick. Thanks for this great list and the giveaway!
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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  31. CARRIE, thank you for including my series on your list! There are so many fabulous books here, and winter is my favorite time to read. BTW, for those who are interested in the Gregory Sisters series, the first book in the series, When Love Calls, is FREE right now on Kindle.

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    1. Hey Lorna! LOVE LOVE LOVE the Gregory Girls!!! I read more when I am not feeling well with my RA because other than that I am doing my own writing. So that is a silver lining of feeling bad -- at least I get some reading done! Blessings!

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  32. With this kiss is the most wanted book I want to read this year. cheetahthecat1986@gmail.com

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    1. So many great stories in With This Kiss, Kim, I agree!!!

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  33. I read and enjoyed Tamera Alexander's novella and the With This Kiss collection. Most want to read on your list would be the Barbour collections, Tamera Alexander's book, Jen Turano's books, or Michelle Griep!
    betherin02 (at) gmail(dot)com

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    1. You won't be sorry, Beth, if you read Tammy's and Jen's books and Michelle's - all amazing as are the Barbour collections!!

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  34. Tamera Alexander's book was the only book on my favourites list. I have her novella but haven't gotten to reading it yet, and quite a few of the other books are on my TBR pile!

    Thanks for the giveaway,
    lientjiehuman(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)au

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  35. I loved After a Fashion and In Good Company. Can't wait to read the third in the series!

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    1. Be still my heart I have been saving Jen Turnano's next book, downloaded from NetGalley, as a reward for completing this novella I'm working on (The Steeplechase from Forget-Me-Not Romances). Blessings!

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  36. Oh this is a good list! I have only has time or a couple off of it (even though many are on my TBR) but I have had the pleasure of reading Jen Turano's! I can't wait to try To Win Her Favor, it looks wonderful! Sireenadoty@hotmail.com

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    1. Love your name Sireena!!! Thanks! I love this list too but even more I love the books! Oh, To Win Her Favor is indeed wonderful! Blessings!

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  37. So many great books to choose from. I have read Brentwoods' word, Jen Turano's books,The Homestead Bride, and the Most Eligible Bachelor's collection. I would love to read the Convenient Bride collection, Tamera's novella, and As Love Blooms. So many good books. Thanks for listing them all out. I had missed a few this year.
    Thanks
    Becky B

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    1. I missed some, too, Becky! So glad you got to read all those wonderful books by Jen Turano, Michelle Griep, and the Barbour collections!

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  38. Tamera Alexander's book was the only book on my favourites list. I have her novella but haven't gotten to reading it yet, and quite a few of the other books are on my TBR pile!

    Thanks for the giveaway,
    lientjiehuman(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)au

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  39. I enjoyed As Love Blooms, In Good Company, After a Fashion, To Win Her Favor, To Mend a Dream and The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection. I look forward to reading Brentwood's Ward, which has been on my TBR list.
    reneerachoyolsenATgmailDOTcom

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    1. You have great taste, Heather! Great books! Blessings!

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  40. Tamera Alexander's book was the only one on my favourite's list! I have her novella, but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. And some of the other books are on my TBR list.

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

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    1. Oh no, Lientjie! Only one? You will have to catch up on your 2015 reading in 2016!!! Thanks for sharing!

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  41. Thank you so much for including me in such fine company!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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