Top Ten Tuesday: Most Recent 5-Star Reads

To close out the month of March here on Top Ten Tuesday, we’re talking about our most recent 5-star reads. This was actually another difficult topic for me to cut off at 10 books because I’ve read so many fantastic books lately! But if I didn’t cut it off at 10, I’d still be talking about them next Tuesday… and probably the Tuesday after that.

As always, much thanks to the powers that be over at The Broke and The Bookish for hosting this weekly link-up!

“With her trademark humor firmly in place, Jen Turano crafts a novel with shades of both the gothic and the hilarious as the fitting final act to her A Class of Their Own series.  A misfit band of secondary characters elicit the majority of the laughs in Playing the Part, their easy-to-envision antics stealing several scenes. Familiarly beloved friends from the previous two books in the series also take the stage, and fans of matchmaking matron Abigail Hart will delight in uncovering more of her past, present, and future.  Delicious, sweet romance – tempered with a grain of snark – and undertones of suspense round out the ensemble perfectly.”  

Read more of my review.

“Warmth exudes from every page of Kathryn Springer’s The Hearts We Mend.  The characters will set up camp in your heart and may even start refurbishing it if you aren’t careful. Humor, love, and several poignant twists make this a truly enjoyable and inspiring read. It’s loaded with some great symbolism if you’re paying attention, a couple of pretty swoonworthy kisses, and lots of adorable little-girl twirling! Jack and Evie together are just … dreamy sigh. Jack by himself would be dreamy-sigh-worthy enough but Jack in love with Evie is completely twitterpating.” 

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“Like a Love Song went straight for my heart. The characters, their histories, their futures, the setting, the plot.  All of it spoke to me on a level that went beyond the romance and aimed steadfastly toward Jesus.  Joe and Sue’s love story was, of course, a highlight of the book for me – it was cute, sweet, and even breath-stealing on occasion. But in all honesty, it paled in comparison to this truth that Camille Eide framed so gorgeously:  God’s love never fails.”

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“Dawn Crandall masterfully crafts a story rich in vibrant setting, vivid characters, and sharp dialogue. Her scenes come alive, transplanting readers into Gilded Age New England and keeping them absorbed from the first word until the last. The characters she creates feel real and honest, and boy howdy can she write a kissing scene! My new favorite of the series, The Captive Imposter specifically is a beautifully engaging story of forgiveness, of overcoming prejudices, and of finding our worth in the One who died for us. And of kisses. It’s about kisses too…” 

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“And It Was Beautiful is a quick read but wow – there’s a lot packed in that small space! Her voice, her writing style, make you feel as though you’ve been friends for years.  Her love for her family, for her friends, for her Jesus is so evident in each poignant vignette, and her journey with cancer – and the gift of grace through it all – will engage all of your emotions. While at first you may think that a book like this would be depressing, it is anything but a downer.  Yes, you will ugly-cry.  But you will also smile and laugh and be overwhelmingly reminded of the goodness of God and His faithfulness. Kara’s testimony is raw at times, witty at others, but always always beautiful.”

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“Charity’s Cross is full of adventure, love, and faith – in all the best possible ways! Flawed but deep characters sail across the pages and into your heart, and the tender glimpse into God’s presence with the broken is sure to resonate in your soul. Longtime readers of MaryLu Tyndall’s books will also enjoy this fourth installment in the CHARLES TOWNE BELLES series thanks to the mention of characters from several of her previous books, including a glimpse of the other three Westcott sisters. But I highly recommend Charity’s Cross, even if you’ve never read another book by this author.  Tyndall’s skilled way with words is always a treat to read!”

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“Dani Pettrey’s first offering in her new series is inventive, action-packed, and extremely well-written.   Cold Shot bursts onto the scene with brilliant suspense and compelling characters that make it nearly impossible to put down. In fact, if you are at all prone to biting your nails when tensions are high, you may need to schedule a manicure once you’ve finished reading this novel!  If you like romance with your suspense, Griffin and Finley are happy to oblige with some breath-stealing moments that are adorable and full of heat all at the same time.”

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“Lynette Eason’s latest suspense offering is fast-paced, action-packed, and full of grace. Her writing talent is more than evident in the natural dialogue, the tension, the vivid characters. While romance is definitely present in the story, it never overshadows the suspense, making this an ideal choice both for people who do love kissingbooks and those who don’t. The element of faith is there as well – a solid thread that manages to avoid turning “trite” or “preachy”.  Lynette Eason is one of my go-to authors for romantic suspense, and Always Watching is a magnificent start to her new series!”

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“Camille Eide has a way with characters.  They get into your heart and set up camp, and you are all the better for having spent time with them.  She also has a great talent for creating a scene that appears one way at face value but in fact can be immensely symbolic as well. Like There’s No Tomorrow will linger with me for many reasons – the characters, the setting, the romance.  But especially the message of courage – of living life in spite of your fears – and of cherishing each day as though it’s all we’re to be given. If you love to become emotionally invested in the books you read, I highly suggest you try one by Camille Eide!”

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“I just don’t even have adequate words to explain how much I loved this book.  I feel like I’m just gushing (probably because I am), but I’m still so floored by If I Run.  The ending…. oh goodness, I need the next book in the series immediately.  NEED.  I may not be able to relax until I’ve read all three lol.  If I Run is a stunning thriller that needs to be at the top of your to-read list. Part The Fugitive, part its own identity, it is a masterfully-crafted book that will leave you breathless… and frantically stalking the Googles for any word on a sequel.  To quote Dylan Roberts himself, ‘Casey Cox is smarter than the average fugitive.’ And you’re invited to tag along.”

Read more of my review.

If these titles have whet your appetite for more 5-star reads, check out that category in my Amazon store! I also have a Pinterest board devoted solely to books I’ve rated with 5 stars – check it out by clicking on the widget below.

What are some of your most recent 5-star reads? Let me know – and link up your TTT post – in the comments! 🙂