Noela's 2014 Favorites!

Here are some of my FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2014!! Click on the Title of the book if you would like to purchase any of these amazing books! They are listed in order of publication. Enjoy!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Caught in theMiddle (Ladies of Caldwell County, Book 3) by Regina Jennings

Here you have a woman who aims to keep herself invisible by disguising herself as a man, and a man on the political trail who really should be distancing himself from this intriguing woman! Before they know it, both their lives are turned upside down and find their faith truly tested. The unpredictability throughout this entertaining novel will keep you reading as you revel in watching this couple find each other, God, and their life's purpose.

~ ~ ~

So Fair A Lady (Daughtersof His Kingdom, Book 1) by Amber Lynn Perry

At a time of great unrest a few years prior to the American Revolution, one woman captures the hearts of two men on opposing sides. This is a thoroughly engaging, romantic, and dramatic novel that also demonstrates how we can all make a difference in this world.

~ ~ ~

Yankee in Atlanta (Heroines Behind the Lines, Book 3) by Jocelyn Green

Jocelyn expressively pens an emotive journey into the Civil War era that encompasses families torn apart; terrifying riots; gnawing hunger; and other sorrows. But mostly it is an entrancing story of hope and achingly beautiful love amidst such destruction, and the survival and victory of the battle-worn yet courageous heart and spirit.

~ ~ ~

Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer

‘Full Steam Ahead’ ploughs through the stream of historical novels, delivering a story loaded with fascinating history about the devastating steamboat disasters in the mid 1800’s due to boiler explosions, and a romance with intoxicating love that leaves Mr. Darcy in its wake!

~ ~ ~

The Promise Keeper: Sea Heroes of Duxbury by Lisa Norato

Spurred by mounting curiosity, Iris Moon rows out to the lighthouse to meet the mysterious Keeper under the guise of delivering a Christmas basket from some of the local community. Upon doing so, she finds he remains an even greater enigma but one that now haunts her thoughts and dreams. This beautiful and highly memorable story exudes atmosphere and mystery, while touching your heart and spirit.
~ ~ ~

Captured by Love (Michigan Brides Collection, Book 3) by Jody Hedlund

The tensions and danger on Michilimackinac Island gradually escalate after the British took control, with food becoming scarce and loyalties divided. The dashing and humorously egotistical voyager Pierre Durant returns home to his island to find his mother in need, and feelings arising for his childhood friend – now grown up and beautiful but betrothed to his brother. This is an intriguing read with with heart-in-throat danger, a breathtaking romance, enjoyable dialogue and uplifting messages!

~ ~ ~

Abandoned Memories(Escape to Paradise, Book 3) by MaryLu Tyndall

 Something very sinister lurks in the lush jungle of Brazil where the colonists have made their home, and it is up to them to face and conquer this evil before it unleashes upon the world. This jungle paradise hosts an adventure and characters so rich, intriguing, and powerful, that this will be forever imprinted in your mind. The descriptions, suspense, and romance are second to none!

~ ~ ~

Love’s Fortune (TheBallantyne Legacy, Book 3) by Laura Frantz

 The Ballantyne’s most valued river pilot, James Sackett, develops a secret affection for the Ballantyne’s heir, the enchanting Wren. Given the responsibility of being her escort at her coming out in society, proves tougher than he ever imagined. But his questionable heritage and the grim danger that pursues him, leaves James no choice. Mesmerizing, breathtaking, and sublime!
~ ~ ~

Hearts in Defiance(Romance in the Rockies, Book 2) by Heather Blanton

 Invigorating, passionate, and dramatic, ‘Hearts in Defiance’ is a compulsive page-turning adventure of love and danger in the old west. Author Heather Blanton has masterfully penned a novel that comprises the horrors of Indian savagery, along with a breathtaking romance charged with an electrifying chemistry, and glued together with the message that God has made us a new creation and overcomers no matter our past! An epic tale that has 3 romances in the one story!
~ ~ ~

Finding Mercy (MercyMedallion Trilogy, Book 2) by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley

‘Finding Mercy’ was the perfect sequel to ‘Traces of Mercy’ in maintaining a fresh and original plot with eye-popping surprises and memorable characters. These outstanding stories unfold to be an epic not-to-be missed account of a woman that served in the war as a man and subsequently lost her memory, but ultimately finds herself. These movie-script calibre novels seize your attention immediately with thrilling suspense and drama, followed closely by generous doses of intrigue, danger, and romance. Masterful story-telling!

~ ~ ~

Surprised by Love(The Heart of San Francisco, Book 3) by Julie Lessman

This was a WOW book for me this year! Rippling with passions, drama, and evolving faith, this exquisite novel delivers two agonizing romances that will take your breath away. One is a fractured couple that have a substantial barrier of broken trust between them. And the other features a young woman that has gone through an amazing physical transformation and meets up with her closest childhood friend whom she cares deeply for, but soon discovers that he only thinks of her as a little sister. Or does he? Read this book, and series, if you love irresistible and wise-cracking characters, masterful levels of prose, and a fun, deeply inspiring and touching story.
~ ~ ~ 

Tears of the Sea by MaryLu Tyndall

‘Tears of the Sea’ is a spell-binding fantasy tale containing a powerful allegory of the gospel. A woman cursed to live as a mermaid forever except for one month every decade, seeks the only thing that can break her torment. A man that will love her enough to die for her. Could she have possibly found that man with Savion Ryne? But what happens when she actually falls in love with this enigma of a man… Will she allow her only true love to give his life for her? Even if you don’t normally read fantasy, you will love this incredibly stirring and thrilling story, exquisitely written with sublime descriptions and heart-rending passion! Look for clever anagrams and cryptic names throughout!

~ ~ ~

Petticoat Detective(Undercover Ladies, Book 1) by Margaret Brownley

‘The Petticoat Detective’ shoots with a heartrending reality as Amy, the female Pinkerton detective finds herself working undercover in a bordello while trying to crack the case she’s working on. Enter a former Texas Ranger by the name of Tom, who’s also looking for clues and enlists Amy’s help while unaware of her true identity. Fantastic secondary characters, a plot that keeps you guessing, inspiring messages, and brilliant humour threaded throughout… are just a few of the reasons why this book is a winner!

* * * * *

A few of my FAVORITE NOVELLA'S of 2014!

A must-read; this modern-day retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast, was intensely heart-stirring and inspiring! It features a man suffering from PTSD whose story is both raw and heart-rending. Can he ever become a whole person again though he is missing limbs? Can such a damaged man find love and peace in his pain?

Londonderry Dreaming is an enjoyable and sweet tale of friendship and forgiveness, of the rekindling of love, and of the importance of communication. It is a journey that takes the reader to both Ireland and the US to rediscover faith in God and in the power of love. An engaging and enchanting Irish love story!

We know war is brutal and often void of hope and life. But Marian Baay’s Civil War romance, ‘The Officer’s Daughter’, brings a burst of light to the dark ugliness of the Civil War. In this highly engaging novella, we read of a sweet and unexpected romance found on the battlefield – the last place one would ever imagine to find love!

A well-educated and cocky lumberjack, a pretty camp cook who wants to leave, a spicy romance, and a nourishing spiritual message are just a handful of the ingredients making up this mouth-watering and engaging novella. Yum! You’ll find the rich historical insights permeating this story, fascinating and well-researched, bringing the yesteryear setting alive. And enriching this cozy Christmas tale that’s full of surprises is a reassuring message that reminds us to never give up, because God has a plan for us all! 

I always know I’m going to thoroughly enjoy a story when it’s written by Margaret Brownley, and whether it’s a short story like this or a full-length novel, I’m truly never disappointed! While definitely a sweet, heart-warming romance, ‘The Nutcracker Bride’ is also generously sprinkled with laugh-out-loud humor, and served with morsels of fascinating history and traditions of nutcrackers, creatively dispersed throughout this gift of a story!

* * * * * * * * 

Other special mentions: The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall; The Wyoming Heir by Naomi Rawlings; A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander; What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer; Fair Play by Deeanne Gist; Butterfly Palace by Colleen Coble; A Bride In Store by Melissa Jagears;  The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall, and Veiled at Midnight by Christine Lindsay!

Diana's 2014 Favorites!

 

Here are a few of my favorite book picks of 2014 in no particular order.

If you would like to purchase any of these awesome reads please click on to title!  

Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman, Oct. 2014

In Surprised by Love, author Julie Lessman has once again crafted a dramatic, breathtaking read -- that takes the reader on an exhilarating journey with as many twists and turns as the streets of San Francisco! 

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

Gathering Shadows by Nancy Mehl, May 2014 

 In Gathering Shadows, author Nancy Mehl takes us on another suspenseful, roller coaster ride to the quaint Mennonite town of Sanctuary, Missouri! A must read for all suspense lovers!


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


Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz, Sept. 2014

From the wooded, primitive hills of Kentucky to the industrial city of Pittsburgh comes a sweeping saga of the affluent Ballantynes -- and of the beloved Rowena "Wren" Ballantyne, who finds herself caught between both worlds.


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


First Impressions by Sarah Price, May 2014
 
In her own eloquent, exquisite style, author Sarah Price has penned a delightful Amish tale — reminiscent of the timeless classic by the memorable Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice. Highly recommended!


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

The Midwife by Jolina Petersheim, May 2014

Masterful storyteller, Jolina Petersheim, has penned a riveting, emotive tale that vacillates between three women from different walks of life, but all having two things in common --- deep buried secrets and a desperate need for love.

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

The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall, Mar. 2014

 With quill in hand, MaryLu Tyndall has crafted a swashbuckling, seafaring adventure set in the wicked city of Port Royal, Jamaica, where nefarious villains and pirates roam the streets—and where an unescorted lady dare not!

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

 

Rumspringa's Hope by Beth Shriver, May 2014

 I have never read an Amish book where rumspringa is depicted with such depth and realism---rather than an idealized or romantic view of it. Truly a wonderfully exciting tale of God's redemption, healing, and purpose in life -- be sure to put Rumspringa's Hope on your wishlist today!

 

 

 *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* 

 

 

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky, Oct. 2014 

With pen in hand, er keys rather, author Carrie Turansky once again sweeps the reader away on a wonderful Edwardian adventure -- from the glamorous balls, social functions, and opulent mansions of the very elite -- to the poverty stricken streets of London's East End.

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

Veiled At Midnight by Christine Lindsay, Oct. 2014

 

Once again Christine Lindsay sweeps the reader away on an exotic, riveting journey to faraway India -- a land of exquisite, mystical beauty, but one of extreme political and religious unrest as well. Sure to be an award winner!

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

A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino, June 2014

 Debut author, Rebecca DeMarino, has penned an intriguing, sweeping saga fraught with dangers on every hand, adventure, and unrequited love—spanning from mid-1600s England to the primitive colonies of the New World.

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

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton, Apr. 2014 

Author Lori Benton has penned an exciting journey of one young woman's dangerous quest to find freedom in the frontier wilderness of North Carolina —  a breathtaking tale of romance, long buried secrets, treachery, and abuse.

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

An Amish Buggy Ride by Sarah Price, Nov. 2014

In her own exquisite style, Sarah Price masterfully writes of an Amish community – where the consequences of keeping dark secrets are as far reaching as the ripples in a stream, and where love hides a multitude of sins!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* 

Seagrass Pier by Colleen Coble, July 2104

In Seagrass Pier, Colleen Coble has penned a heart pounding, suspense-filled novel in the lovely, seaside setting of the quaint little island of Hope Beach, North Carolina!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 

My Favorite Novellas!

The Fruitcake Challenge by Carrie Fancett Pagels, Oct. 2014

 The Fruitcake Challenge is a heartwarming, Yuletide novella guaranteed to awaken the reader's senses with its descriptive imagery and the distinctive, tangible aura of Christmas! A must read this holiday season!

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

At The Edge of a Dark Forest by Connie Almony, Feb. 2014

This story (reminiscent of the classic tale, The Beauty and the Beast) is a beautiful tribute and "thank you" to all of our wounded warriors and members of the military who sacrifice their lives daily for our freedom—and to those who help them to heal.

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

The Captain's Wife by Marian Baay, Aug. 2014

In The Captain's Wife, author Marian Baay has written a touching and intense sequel to The Officer's Daughter; revisiting the horrors and triumphs of our nation's darkest hour, the Civil War --  guaranteed to leave you catching your breath with anticipation and smiling with amusement at the same time!

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

**If your book didn't make it on my favorites list this year it may simply be because I was off  two months for major surgery and wasn't able to get to it. But I want to congratulate all of you on a job well done. This was an amazing year for Christian fiction and I want to thank you for all the many hours of reading pleasure you have given me!**