Best Books of 2015: Contemporary

It’s that time of year when everyone is making lists and checking them twice.  Some are finding out who has been naughty and who has been nice.  Some are making sure those in their circles of gifting know what they want for Christmas.

Here at Reading Is My SuperPower, I’m making lists too! Every day this week will feature the best books I read in 2015 from different genres.

Today’s focus is contemporary fiction.

So without further adieu and in no particular order, may I present…

FTC Disclosure

Refuge of the Heart by Ruth Logan Herne

Publisher: Franciscan Media

Publication Date: September 25, 2015

My Review: http://wp.me/p61QCL-lQ

Ruth Logan Herne’s writing style is perfection, as are her characters.  This story – and Mitch, Lena, and Anna – have thoroughly captivated me and they will stay in my heart for a long time to come. Highly recommended for any and every one! Refuge of the Heart is a book you just simply must read!! If I could make it a requirement for all my blog followers, I would!

Jaded by Varina Denman

Publisher: David C. Cook

Publication Date: March 1, 2015

My Review: http://wp.me/p61QCL-2

Her writing voice is smooth and easy and the scenes played out in my head like a movie while I read. The characters are so life-like and relatable that I felt almost sad when I closed the book because I wouldn’t get to spend time with them anymore.

Justified by Varina Denman

Publisher: David C. Cook

Publication Date: June 1, 2015

My Review: http://wp.me/p61QCL-4Z

Justified is a beautifully written story of second chances – giving them, knowing when to stop, and learning the fine line between the two.  It’s also a story of relentless hope and the reminder that God meets us where we are… if we just stop long enough to look for Him.

An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti

Publisher: Worthy

Publication Date: October 13, 2015

My Review: http://wp.me/p61QCL-xV

Such love and warmth and laughter and friendship emanated from this novella, courtesy of Cynthia Ruchti’s talented pen. Grandma Dodie and Grandpa Wilson are just the absolute sweetest and cutest couple ever! I want to be like them when I grow up.

Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman

Publisher: Julie Lessman

Publication Date: November 1, 2015

My Review: http://wp.me/p61QCL-pE

Isle of Hope may in fact be not only Julie’s best novel so far but also her most important. With the impeccable talent synonymous with her name, Julie Lessman takes an honest, few-holds-barred look at the price of sin and the cost of forgiveness.  Isle of Hope will tear out your heart and put it back together, a little sore for the process but sweetly soothed all the same.  It’s emotional and raw and convicting … but healing.

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: July 7, 2015

My Review: http://wp.me/p61QCL-cm

The plot of healing and forgiveness (both of yourself and others) and selflessness – all of those themes just add layer upon layer to the romance until you’re left with a book that redefines “love story” as something deeper and more Divine than you expected. A romance that is so much more than a romance, Hope Harbor will wind its way into your heart and settle there along with the reminder that sometimes healing can start with a fish taco.

The Isaac Project by Sarah Monzon

Publisher: Radiant Publications

Publication Date: September 1, 2015

My Review: http://wp.me/p61QCL-cN

These characters got to me & this book touched my heart. The dual first person narrative adds a wonderful depth of personality and makes for a delightful perspective to the character’s thoughts. In addition – a unique premise, a solid plot, and a charming writing voice combine with a dash of suspense to ensure a truly enjoyable experience for readers. Sarah Monzon is a fun new voice in contemporary Christian fiction, and I for one look forward to more from her in the future!

When the Right One Comes Along by Kate James

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Publication Date: October 1, 2015

My Review: Goodreads

So many great things about this story – adorable little girls, hunky cops, awesome K-9 police dogs, and a really likable heroine. The well-written earthquake scenes and the cop action sequences later in the story brought just the right amount of suspense and tension to the plot & the romance was sweet and believable. I was in their corner from the moment they met!

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert

Publisher: Waterbrook

Publication Date: April 21, 2015

My Review: http://wp.me/p61QCL-aJ

From infertility to miscarriage to marital problems to mental breakdowns to alcoholism to dementia to a multitude of teenage angst, The Art of Losing Yourself paints a portrait of people with real issues – tough issues – and packs a pretty emotional punch. Yet, even at the darkest moments, beautiful waves of hope saturate this novel – hope for redemption, hope for truth, hope for joy.

Married ‘Til Monday by Denise Hunter

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: June 9, 2015

My Review: http://wp.me/p61QCL-6u

The author’s use of flashbacks lifted the story to a whole other level, in my opinion, as we were given glimpses into the early days of their relationship, Abby’s troubled childhood, and the painful end of their marriage. It reminded me that Married Til Monday is so much more than a romance – it is a beautiful story of restoration.

Meant to be Mine by Becky Wade

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: April 29, 2014 (but i read it this year)

My Review: Goodreads

Things I loved: Ty learning about princesses, Celia trying and failing to resist his charms, their banter, Ty telling Addie a bedtime story for the first time (FAVE scene in the book! SO cute! “It was good for your first try.”), Celia’s return to God – the simplicity and sweetness of it, Celia’s true-to-life battle with forgiving Ty (“She shut the Bible and dashed into the pantry to alphabetize her spices. She couldn’t deal with forgiveness today. Maybe tomorrow.”), Ty’s return to God – the simplicity and sweetness of it, the KISSING – SO MUCH KISSING!!!!! 🙂

Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

Publisher: David C. Cook

Publication Date: June 1, 2015 (Paperback)

My Review: http://wp.me/p61QCL-1a

I practically swallowed this book whole; it was that excellent. Carla Laureano’s writing voice lilts warmly and engagingly and immerses you in the story until you become part of the scene rather than just reading words on the page. The characters reached out and introduced themselves to me … and then quickly became old friends I was joining on their journey.  I hadn’t read more than 2 or 3 pages before the brewing romance had me solidly in its cheering section, and the tenderness wielded as different characters wrestled with God was the perfect blend of the reality of faith without being too preachy.

That’s my list of the best of the best contemporary books I read in 2015.  Stay tuned tomorrow for the historical list!