Favorite Books of 2018!

Another wonderful year of fiction gone by! My favorite books published in 2018 (not favorite books of all time, because that would be far too difficult) are:

  

A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter (Bethany House); Haven Manor, book 1

I absolutely love Hunter's writing style, her humor and her heart. And the premise of this series is truly heart-felt, looking after the women who have been cast out from society, whether by choices they made or circumstances that were forced upon them.

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano (Revell)

Politano is a fresh voice, and I've love how both of her novels have gone in unconventional directions. Besides sporting a fun Gothic feel, this one is full of profound analogies between viticulture and Christianity.

The Lieutenant's Bargain by Regina Jennings (Bethany House), Fort Reno, book 2

Jennings always writes fun romances, but this one is set apart by its deference to the American Indians. Historically there's not a lot of good during that time period, at least in terms of relations between the US government and the tribes, and so this book might be a bit on the rosy side, but I was impressed with the dignity she afforded them, especially one school boy.

  

Caught by Surprise by Jen Turano (Bethany House); Apart form the Crowd, book 3

I just can't resist Jen Turano's books. They are bubbly, infectious stories that can lift the lowest of spirits, even when sick, miserable, and falling asleep every half hour as I was when I read it (yes, not even a virus akin to Mono can derail my joy of a Turano book).

Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof (Thomas Nelson); Blackbird Mountain, book 1

Bischof takes a daring and unique approach with a hero who is not only deaf, but also a severe alcoholic. She creates an incredibly inspiring story of overcoming, but it is also a heartbreaking story, and I hope for reconciliation in the sequel.

A Song Unheard by Roseanna M White (Bethany House); Shadows Over England, book 2

A family of thieves-turned-spies, brilliant musicians, a daring mission to war-torn Belgium--how can anyone resist?

  

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House)

A dual timeline book, with both a modern and early 20th century storyline, and both are intriguingly dark and mysterious; both suspenseful and bordering on horror, yet tastefully done. So intricately put together. Mmm.

Fantasy: 
Christian fantasy is one of subgenres that hasn't impressed me, until this year--now suddenly two of my 10-ish favorite stories from all of 2018 are Christian fantasy novels.

The Wounded Shadow by Patrick W Carr (Bethany House); Darkwater Saga, book 3

Really, one has to read the whole series to get the full impact of this tale (it's more like three parts of one intense story), but this was a spectacular conclusion. It's one of the best Christian fantasy series--actually, one of the best fantasy series either Christian or secular--that I've read in a long time.

Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse (Bethany House); Ravenwood Saga, book 1

This story absolutely captured me. I didn't expect two spectacular Christian fantasy novels in one year (being as I'm so picky), but I loved it and can't wait to find out what happens next. The Wounded Shadow awed me, while Mark of the Raven captured my heart.


And for an honorable mention . . .
A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden

Though I didn't love this book as much as the first in the series, it wins for the most thought-provoking book of the year. I don't know how many days I mulled over the morality/ethics in the story, and I still can hardly shower without thinking of it (being as it focuses on water purification). And a book that can inspire me to think about it for even months afterwards is one worth a mention!

"A Bound Heart" by Laura Frantz

In a time when oppression is so hard that an entire island must rely on smuggled goods to survive, Lark MacDougall, beekeeper and stillroom maid to the laird Magnus MacLeish, finds her conscience torn. She knows the needs of her fellow islanders, but also feels the need to live an honest life. When an accident occurs and the blame lands on Lark, she is taken from her home and sentenced far across the sea, not anticipating just who will be exiled with her. Will she ever be able to return to her home, or will she find a place for her heart in this new land?

One thing I've found about Laura Frantz's books is the back cover copy never does the book justice. There is always so much more to the story, such different turns than the blurb would lead one to expect. It would be too easy to spoil the surprises of the story, so suffice to say, it took me far more places than I anticipated, in ways I couldn't have guessed.

The history of the time period is integral to the story--both in Scotland and across the sea. I forget what a dark time the 18th century was. Oppression wasn't limited to slaves on plantations; it's hard to believe that in Scotland wearing one's clan's plaid was a prison-worthy offense, and smuggling something so basic as salt worth a hanging. In spite of the very Scottish beginning, there were moments I wondered if the plot would go in the way of Captain Blood--we already had the next thing to a pirate, unjust sentencing, and transportation. But as aforementioned, the author has a delightful way of turning my expectations on their head.

It's a beautiful, captivating tale. Unjust, yet faith-filled, even in such dark circumstances. Above all, hopeful, even when it seems there is no hope to be had. Highly recommended!

Nancy Mehl's "Mind Games"

FBI profiler Kaely Quinn, daughter of a convicted serial killer, tries to stay out of the spotlight, but it's difficult with a reporter dogging her steps. When the reporter receives a threatening letter to Kaely, written in the form of a poem and hinting at multiple murders to come, they aren't sure whether to believe him, until a man fitting the description of the first victim in the poem is found dead. Then the hunt is on to find the killer before more people--and ultimately Kaely herself--meet their intended fates.

Mind Games is right--let's just say, it's not only the serial killer trying to mess with people's heads. There were some serious surprises in this story . . . I can only assume that they will be addressed in books to come, because that is a terrible (but brilliant) thing to drop on an unsuspecting reader.

I liked Kaely better than some other heroines with super-traumatic pasts that I've read--she's got major issues (no surprise), which aren't neatly wrapped up in the end, but there's hope on the horizon. And she wasn't cold, or completely holding everyone at arm's length; just incredibly wary with her trust, and with good reason. I like that Noah was careful in how he handled working with her and not letting his frustrations get the better of him; he's a good guy. I look forward to seeing him grow. And I enjoyed the team, particularly their boss, Solomon. It really felt like a high-profile, multi-agency case, where there were a lot of people working together (not just the main characters), and the majority of which were intent on catching a killer, not encouraging interdepartmental squabbles. Which is as it should be.

I was a little disappointed to have guessed the killer right away (not that I was without doubts on occasion). Though to be fair, my logic was based on experience with mystery novels rather than clues, which did ultimately point to the killer, but the author was pretty crafty in how she laid them out. It was still a satisfying mystery and clever suspense.

I'm glad to see there's another book already on the horizon, because this one demands a sequel, or more. (Not to say the case doesn't get solved--it does. But Mind Games.)

Thank you Bethany House and Goodreads for a free book. I was not required to write a review, and all opinions are my own.

Kaely Quinn Profiler
1. Mind Games
2. Fire Storm 
3. Dead End (spring 2020)