Top Ten Tuesday: Most Recent 5-Star Reads

Posted March 29, 2016 by meezcarrie in Camille Eide, Christian, Dani Pettrey, Dawn Crandall, Jen Turano, Kara Tippetts, Kathryn Springer, Lynette Eason, MaryLu Tyndall, Terri Blackstock, Top Ten Tuesday / 58 Comments


Top Ten Tuesday Favorite

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.

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

playing the part

“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.

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the hearts we mend

“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.” 

Read more of my review.

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like a love song

“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.”

Read more of my review.

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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…” 

Read more of my review.

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and it was beautiful

“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.”

Read more of my review.

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Charity's Cross

“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!”

Read more of my review.

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cold shot blue

“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.”

Read more of my review.

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always watching

“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!”

Read more of my review.

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like there's no tomorrow

“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!”

Read more of my review.

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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.

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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! 🙂

 

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58 responses to “Top Ten Tuesday: Most Recent 5-Star Reads

  1. carylkane

    Hello Meez Carrie! I can’t wait to read The Captive Imposter. I love the Everstone Chronicles. Thanks for posting about your 5 star Pinterest board. Have a great day!

    • Carrie

      I think you would really like it, Deanna! It’s one of the best suspense novels I’ve ever read

  2. It is wonderful to hear you had almost too many 5 stars to choose from – that can only be a good thing for your reading…less so for cutting down to just 10 😀

  3. Winnie Thomas

    I have most of these on my to-read list. Maybe we should get together for a book exchange. It sounds like we enjoy the same kind of books. Thanks for your recommendations. I agree that there are so many great books lately–ones I’m looking forward to reading. 🙂

    • Carrie

      She is one of my favorites but I haven’t read much of her recent books until If I Run. Apparently I have been missing out lol.

  4. Nice list! Yay for Jen Turano’s and Marylu Tyndall’s newest books getting five stars! I want to read both of them, and am happy to see high ratings for them.

    • Carrie

      oh please do – her books are wonderful! I also cannot gush enough about her latest – The Memoir of Johnny Devine!

  5. I haven’t read any of these books yet but some seem sooo wonderful! I’m very excited to pick a few from your list to give them a read 🙂

  6. Great post! I haven’t read any of these, so it’ll be nice checking out some new books! I also love the way you set up your post! 🙂

  7. I’ve heard “The Hearts we Mend” is amazing! I’ve not read it yet but am glad to know it’s a lovely read. Three cheers for “Cold Shot” and “Always Watching.” Both are amazing 5-star reads! As always thanks for visiting Finding Wonderland, Carrie. 🙂

  8. Kathy Anderson

    I have read Charity’s Cross.My 5 star reads are The Soldier’s Bride, Friends and Enemies, and Curiouser. I want to read If I run and Playing The Part next. Thank you for your list of great reads. I will add them to my list.

  9. I haven’t heard of any of these before, but you have some great looking choices here. As someone who is big on picking out their books by its cover, I might have to make an exception to break my no new books to my TBR list ban! Great list and thanks for stopping by yesterday!

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