Hello friends! This week’s theme for Top Ten Tuesday is yet another one that caused me some consternation for a while. We’re supposed to be talking about books we’ve read because someone recommended them to us. But… see… these days I pretty much only read books that people have asked me to review or that I’ve signed up to review for blog tours, etc. People recommend books to me all the time – books that sound amazing and make me wish I could quit my real job and just stay home and read all day. But alas, I haven’t had time to read any of those since this blogging thing took off.
So instead of choosing an entirely new topic, I had a rare stroke of brilliance.
I asked ten different AUTHORS for some books they’ve read lately because a friend recommended them, and I love the variety of answers I got – as well as the books that showed up more than once!
“Melissa Tagg recommended Joanne Bischof’s The Lady and the Lionheart. I loved the story! Susan May Warren told me she read it, based on my recommendation. I love how that happens! 🙂 Ironically, I also read The Wood’s Edge by Lori Benton, based on Melissa’s recommendation, and that story has become one of my all-time favorites!”
Author Carla Laureano recommended several that Melony has enjoyed, including Told You So by Kristen Heitzmann, A Season to Love by Nicole Deese, and Her Texas Family by Jill Lynn. Melony also read Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations by V. Joy Palmer on – ahem – my recommendation thankyouverymuch 😉
Speaking of Carla Laureano…. “Two of my favorite books have come from a friend’s recommendation. The first was A.G. Howard’s Splintered, a twisted and wildly entertaining YA reboot of the Alice in Wonderland story. The other was Lisa Wingate’s The Prayer Box. I loved that book so much I’ve gone back to read her entire backlist!”
Sarah Monzon read Disillusioned by Christy Barritt on a friend’s recommendation and Mercy’s Fight by Tammy L. Gray because author Jennifer Rodewald recommended it. And like Melony Teague, Sarah read Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations because I pushed it at her 😉
“I don’t read a lot of non-fiction in print but I throughly enjoy listening to it via Audible. I tried The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics on Audible after literary agent Janet Grant listed it in a blog post as one of her favorite books of the year. Not only was I entertained and charmed by the fascinating story of The Boys in the Boat, but I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the sport of crew and the Nazi’s 1936 Olympic games. Go team USA!
I read The Nightingale recently because my author friend Katie Cushman (and several other people) recommended it to me. I’m not someone who’s typically drawn to fiction that grapples with very heavy topics. Nor am I an avid reader of World War II set novels. Nonetheless, I tried The Nightingale based on Katie’s suggestion and ended up loving it. It was hard, but also beautiful. Any book that has me crying my way through the final chapter is a book that gripped me emotionally. Pass the tissues!”
Kate Breslin, like most of us, is way behind in her reading and trying to catch up but she did tell me this: “I recently read for endorsement Dawn Crandall’s upcoming release, The Cautious Maiden, and really enjoyed the story. Well written and engaging characters set in New England during the Gilded Age.”
“Dawn Crandall’s series I’m FINALLY reading per a ton of recommendations … My grandmother recommended [Jane Kirkpatrick books] to me years ago and I loved them.”
“Frankly, I generally choose books because of the buzz around them. It’s rare that I discover a new author from a specific recommendation, but I have one little story for you. I discovered Charles Martin thanks to a recommendation from our book club leader. She recommended When Crickets Cry . I’ve since read almost every book he’s written and loved them all. If you stretch the “recommendation” angle a bit, you could also include Joanne Bischof’s The Lady and the Lionheart. I read about it on Melissa Tagg’s FB page and ordered it immediately. Great story! I love the realism in it and am now making my way through her back list.”
“Like you, I choose most of my books because I know the author and I’ve read their work before . . . but Julie Klassen recently posted about her trip to England and how much she enjoyed reading Thrush Green by Miss Read. That piqued my interest and I ordered a copy. I’ve just started, and I’m already loving the village setting and unique characters.”
Kara is another one who decided to read The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof because of a recommendation – I wonder if it was Melissa Tagg’s again? 😉 Another book Kara read as a result of a friend’s recommendation is My Hope Next Door by Tammy L. Gray. (UPDATE: It was my blogging friend RelzReviewz that recommended Lionheart to Kara, not Melissa Tagg as we surmised. lol.)
Ok, now it’s my turn to recommend some books for all of you! Namely, books by these lovely authors who were gracious enough to help me out with today’s post!
What about you? What books have you read lately based on someone’s recommendation?
67 responses to “Top Ten Tuesday: Because I Said So”
Sylvia M.
Just like Carrie Turansky, I too read Julie Klassen’s post and checked out Thrush Green by Miss Read. Unlike Carrie, I checked out the audio version because Julie particularly said she especially liked them in audio. I really have to concentrate and it took me a little while to get into the flow of the story, but so far I’m enjoying it.
Several years ago I asked on a message forum if someone could suggest any books set in the 1700’s. A poster mentioned The Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura Frantz and I have loved her books ever since.
Recently I’ve been seeing The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof and Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano show up time and again as recommended reading. It looks like I need to read those two.
Five Days in Skye is an amazing book. Wow. Highly recommend that one.
Strangely enough, most of my friends read non-fiction though my reading preference veers sharply to fiction. I usually find new authors through different blogs (thank you for this awesome site!). I discovered Roseanna M. White and can’t get enough of her intense gritty books.
Thank you so much for including me in among some of my fave authors! Thank you Carrie for all your book recommendations and you always have an answer or a suggestion when I send you that urgent message: ‘Just finished a great book, book hangover here, what do I read next?”
Well, I was certainly “fanning” over “My Hope Next Door” based on your recommendation, Carrie. I definitely have “The Lady and the Lion Heart” on my list because of the overwhelming positive buzz. Jocelyn Green recommended “Forest Child” by Heather Gilbert (who was kind enough to read my response and send me a review copy), it was awesome! And it might have been Roseanna White that put me on to Jennifer Rodewald’s books . . . .. oh my! . .. that’s all I can say about those, especially “Red Rose Bouquet”!
I’m still smiling that you loved My Hope Next Door, Rebecca!! Yay!! And Red Rose Bouquet is one of the next books on my list to read – I just finished Blue Columbine the other night. Oh my – what a powerful story!
MHND was such a good book! 🙂 Rebecca, I hope you took up Mercy’s Fight, too (you did notice Sarah read it because I’m such a fan, right?) 😉 Need another recommend? Sway by Amy Matayo was one I couldn’t put down. Just here to help! 🙂
I loved all three of those, too, Jen! Such amazing books by outstanding authors! Also, The End of the World by Amy Matayo is awesome–a little hard to read because of the subject matter, but wow!
Carrie, you’re the queen and can read laps around me, so your title is safe! 🙂 I haven’t had the courage to read that one, Winnie (The End of the World). I’m new in the foster-parenting world, and just am not sure I can handle it. But I’ve heard great things, and maybe someday I’ll find the gumption.
i am eyeing that one with the same trepidation, Jen!
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Andrea Stephens
This was a GREAT idea Carrie! I have read many books recommended by my sister and other people but recently I’m trying to keep up with the books YOU have recommended. I must say Thank You. I’ve fallen in love with so many new to me authors. Kara Isaac and Pepper Basham being just two. You, my friend, have changed my life.
My agent Rachelle Gardner, is extremely well-read, as you can imagine, so when I’m looking for a new read I usually ask her what she’s been reading lately. I picked up The Nightingale based on her list, and a few others. I recently read My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologies by Fredrik Backmann, a new to me author, but I was curious – I actually really enjoyed and will most likely be reading his next few books too. I am about to dive into Can’t Help Falling by Kara Isaac, which releases today!! And nobody had to recommend that, I know it’s going to be great! Have a good Tuesday, Carrie. 🙂
Catherine, I read your latest on recommendation from several people–I’m pretty sure Carrie was one of them. I totally loved it, and you’ve got me hooked! I’ve got a couple of your other books on my Kindle, and I’m hoping to get to them soon. 😀
YAY! This post suddenly made me feel super influential. LOL! Or I just gush a LOT. I’m so glad so many people have picked up The Lady & The Lionheart. It’s tied with Lori Benton’s latest book as my favorite of 2016. Love, love, LOVE!
In the past year, I’ve become obsessed with Sarah M. Eden’s books based on recommendations by several reader friends. I gushed about Julianne Donaldson’s two books on my FB author page and a bunch of readers jumped in to say that if I loved her books, I’d also probably love Sarah M. Eden’s. They were entirely correct! In fact, I’ve read several of hers twice already.
Yay, Melissa! I’m glad you enjoyed Sarah M. Eden’s and Julianne Donaldson’s books! They are 2 of my favorite authors. I just got Sarah’s new book, The Sheriffs of Savage Wells but haven’t started it yet. (I just may have been reading Melissa Tagg’s newest). I can’t wait for Julianne’s next book.
I haven’t actually read it yet, but I have loved all of Sarah M. Eden’s other books, so I’m not too worried about this one. 😀 I’m reading Kara Isaac’s new book right now–I snagged it from NetGalley, since her reviewer copies are lost in the mail system somewhere. 🙁
I know! They sometimes deny my request because I don’t have a blog, but they accepted this one. I’m so glad, because my copy hasn’t come yet, and I wanted to get it read at least somewhat close to release date.
I read The Sheriffs of Savage Wells last week! I really, REALLY enjoyed it. But my favorite is still Seeking Persephone. 🙂 And I love all the Jonquil ones. So good! And yeah, I keep watching Amazon for Julianne’s new one…early next year, right? Eeeeee!
I’m not sure when it’s coming out, Melissa. It was supposed to be November, but I know she’s had some set-backs. I think she’s doing edits now. Hopefully it won’t be too much longer. I’ve been trying to be patient, but it’s not working very well. 😀 I would guess it would hard to write books with 5 young children.
Completely blessed by the sweetness of Gabrielle, Kara, Victoria (MELISSA!) and You!! Also slightly fainting to think of Susan May Warren reading The Lady and the Lionheart. #sitsdown #triesnottohyperventelate 😉 SO encouraged and bolstered through the launch of this book thanks to you all.
And so many greats here! Books I’ve loved and some that I am desperately needing to get my hands on! I read books all the time based on recommendations. Blogs like yours, Rel’s and Rissi’s are a few of my go-to’s. Thanks for all you ladies do!
now it’s MY turn to slightly faint and hyperventilate – putting my blog in the same sentence as Rel’s and Rissi’s? EEP! #sitsdown 😉 Seriously though – as the answers kept coming in over the past couple of weeks and I saw how many times The Lady and the Lionheart made the list, I did a happy dance in your honor 😀
I am lucky to work with several ladies who read. We often share book recommendations. One friend is reading my copy of The Feathered Bone by Julie Cantrell, which stunned me. Another friend just loaned me her copy of Beth Moore’s The Undoing of Saint Silvanus, which I’ll start reading tomorrow. Like you, I tend to read books that I receive for review, so it’s special when I get to choose one for myself!
I just got home from a long day at work–complete with a flat tire! Your blog put the smile back on my face and the bounce back in my step. Time for a bookstore run! So many great titles here. And so many I haven’t read. It’s a fascinating mix.
Can I add another one? My non-writer friend Deb recommended The Kite Runner. I can’t believe I waited so long to read it. This book will stay with me forever–both for the inspiring story and the beautiful prose.
aww flat tires are so frustrating!!! I’m glad you’re home safe and sound now. So very happy that I was able to redeem part of the day for you!!! That puts a smile on MY face 😀
And yes of course you add another one 🙂 I have had The Kite Runner on my radar for a while now – need to read ASAP. A fascinating mix of titles on today’s post for sure!
I recently read Catherine West’s The Things We Knew on your recommendation, Carrie, and I just have to say once again – you were spot on! I don’t think I’ve fully recovered yet 😉
This is brilliant! Most the time I read books for review purposes…but every once in awhile I will see certain books flying around the interweb…and just NEED to read it. The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder was one such book. I bought it the day I read Annie’s review on Just Commonly.
I love the way you did this TTT, Carrie! So clever!
I’m glad to see Dawn’s Everstone Chronicles on the recommendation lists. Some of my favorites 🙂 I really want to read The Lady and the Lionheart and The Prayer Box and Love, Lace and Minor Alterations. And, as always, I’m adding too many to my TBR. If only we could all just read all day with no other responsibilities 😉
Well, thanks to you, Carrie, and several other bloggers, I have a huge “want to read” shelf on Goodreads. I’m currently reading Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman. Julie is one of my favorite authors, but I had only read her historical novels until I read so many great reviews for the 2nd book in the Isle of Hope series. I got Glimmer of Hope free ,read it and got hooked!
Carrie, this is insanely clever. I love that you stuck with the topic but put such a unique spin on it. 🙂
Seeing “The Lady and the Lionheart” show up so much made me smile. Also, Tammy L. Grays latest is a real delight. Like you, I don’t read as many recommendations because of REVIEW BOOKS (which I may “complain” about – in the sense that I let my TBR get out of hand, but of course, we love it, right!?). That said, I always appreciate recommendations.
Just like Carrie Turansky, I too read Julie Klassen’s post and checked out Thrush Green by Miss Read. Unlike Carrie, I checked out the audio version because Julie particularly said she especially liked them in audio. I really have to concentrate and it took me a little while to get into the flow of the story, but so far I’m enjoying it.
Several years ago I asked on a message forum if someone could suggest any books set in the 1700’s. A poster mentioned The Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura Frantz and I have loved her books ever since.
Recently I’ve been seeing The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof and Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano show up time and again as recommended reading. It looks like I need to read those two.
I adore Laura’s books!! And yes – Lionheart and Five Days are MUST reads!
Five Days in Skye is an amazing book. Wow. Highly recommend that one.
Strangely enough, most of my friends read non-fiction though my reading preference veers sharply to fiction. I usually find new authors through different blogs (thank you for this awesome site!). I discovered Roseanna M. White and can’t get enough of her intense gritty books.
Love Roseanna’s books!! (So glad you love the blog 🙂 )
Thank you so much for including me in among some of my fave authors! Thank you Carrie for all your book recommendations and you always have an answer or a suggestion when I send you that urgent message: ‘Just finished a great book, book hangover here, what do I read next?”
awww You’re so welcome my friend <3 Books are so fun! :-D
Well, I was certainly “fanning” over “My Hope Next Door” based on your recommendation, Carrie. I definitely have “The Lady and the Lion Heart” on my list because of the overwhelming positive buzz. Jocelyn Green recommended “Forest Child” by Heather Gilbert (who was kind enough to read my response and send me a review copy), it was awesome! And it might have been Roseanna White that put me on to Jennifer Rodewald’s books . . . .. oh my! . .. that’s all I can say about those, especially “Red Rose Bouquet”!
I’m still smiling that you loved My Hope Next Door, Rebecca!! Yay!! And Red Rose Bouquet is one of the next books on my list to read – I just finished Blue Columbine the other night. Oh my – what a powerful story!
MHND was such a good book! 🙂 Rebecca, I hope you took up Mercy’s Fight, too (you did notice Sarah read it because I’m such a fan, right?) 😉 Need another recommend? Sway by Amy Matayo was one I couldn’t put down. Just here to help! 🙂
hahahaha! You may steal my title of Queen Book Pusher if I’m not careful, Jen 😉
I loved all three of those, too, Jen! Such amazing books by outstanding authors! Also, The End of the World by Amy Matayo is awesome–a little hard to read because of the subject matter, but wow!
Carrie, you’re the queen and can read laps around me, so your title is safe! 🙂 I haven’t had the courage to read that one, Winnie (The End of the World). I’m new in the foster-parenting world, and just am not sure I can handle it. But I’ve heard great things, and maybe someday I’ll find the gumption.
i am eyeing that one with the same trepidation, Jen!
This was a GREAT idea Carrie! I have read many books recommended by my sister and other people but recently I’m trying to keep up with the books YOU have recommended. I must say Thank You. I’ve fallen in love with so many new to me authors. Kara Isaac and Pepper Basham being just two.
You, my friend, have changed my life.
awww, Andrea!!! You’re making me tearful! In the best way though <3 Love ya! Thankful for you <3
Love those two authors! They are amazing!
What an awesome list! You’ve done it again, Carrie! Now, let’s see if my wallet agrees. 🙂
hahaha!! I know the feeling 😉
I read Pepper Basham’s “A Twist of Faith” because of you, and I’m SO glad I did! My TTT
yaaaaay!!!
My agent Rachelle Gardner, is extremely well-read, as you can imagine, so when I’m looking for a new read I usually ask her what she’s been reading lately. I picked up The Nightingale based on her list, and a few others. I recently read My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologies by Fredrik Backmann, a new to me author, but I was curious – I actually really enjoyed and will most likely be reading his next few books too. I am about to dive into Can’t Help Falling by Kara Isaac, which releases today!! And nobody had to recommend that, I know it’s going to be great!
Have a good Tuesday, Carrie. 🙂
I just saw the “My Grandmother” book on another blog – it looks fascinating!
Catherine, I read your latest on recommendation from several people–I’m pretty sure Carrie was one of them. I totally loved it, and you’ve got me hooked! I’ve got a couple of your other books on my Kindle, and I’m hoping to get to them soon. 😀
whoohoo!
YAY! This post suddenly made me feel super influential. LOL! Or I just gush a LOT. I’m so glad so many people have picked up The Lady & The Lionheart. It’s tied with Lori Benton’s latest book as my favorite of 2016. Love, love, LOVE!
In the past year, I’ve become obsessed with Sarah M. Eden’s books based on recommendations by several reader friends. I gushed about Julianne Donaldson’s two books on my FB author page and a bunch of readers jumped in to say that if I loved her books, I’d also probably love Sarah M. Eden’s. They were entirely correct! In fact, I’ve read several of hers twice already.
hahaha! Yes, you SHOULD feel super influential 😉 I have read a couple of Sarah Eden’s book – would love to read some more one day soon!
Yay, Melissa! I’m glad you enjoyed Sarah M. Eden’s and Julianne Donaldson’s books! They are 2 of my favorite authors. I just got Sarah’s new book, The Sheriffs of Savage Wells but haven’t started it yet. (I just may have been reading Melissa Tagg’s newest). I can’t wait for Julianne’s next book.
You keep mentioning that book, Winnie – I really think I’m going to have to prioritize it! 😀
I haven’t actually read it yet, but I have loved all of Sarah M. Eden’s other books, so I’m not too worried about this one. 😀 I’m reading Kara Isaac’s new book right now–I snagged it from NetGalley, since her reviewer copies are lost in the mail system somewhere. 🙁
oh no! How frustrating!
but yay for Netgalley!
I know! They sometimes deny my request because I don’t have a blog, but they accepted this one. I’m so glad, because my copy hasn’t come yet, and I wanted to get it read at least somewhat close to release date.
My mail just came and Kara’s book was there! Yay! I’d rather read it in print.
YAY!
I read The Sheriffs of Savage Wells last week! I really, REALLY enjoyed it. But my favorite is still Seeking Persephone. 🙂 And I love all the Jonquil ones. So good! And yeah, I keep watching Amazon for Julianne’s new one…early next year, right? Eeeeee!
i loved Seeking Persephone!
I’m not sure when it’s coming out, Melissa. It was supposed to be November, but I know she’s had some set-backs. I think she’s doing edits now. Hopefully it won’t be too much longer. I’ve been trying to be patient, but it’s not working very well. 😀 I would guess it would hard to write books with 5 young children.
Feb 2017 last I heard
I think I’ll add Lisa Wingate’s The Prayer Box as well as Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations to my list of books to read!
yay!
I LOVE finding out what the authors I admire read. CARRIE, thank you for this awesome list.
I purchased Kara Isaac’s Close To You based on Jaime Jo Wright’s recommendation.
Have a TERRIFIC TUESDAY! 🙂
yay!! Kara and Jaime Jo are both quite awesome 🙂
You always have the coolest takes on these Top Ten Tuesday posts. I never would have thought to do this!
a href=”http://www.anovelglimpse.com/2016/10/11/top-ten-tuesday-all-about-books-you-read-because-of-recommendation/”>My TTT.
aww thanks! 😀
Completely blessed by the sweetness of Gabrielle, Kara, Victoria (MELISSA!) and You!! Also slightly fainting to think of Susan May Warren reading The Lady and the Lionheart. #sitsdown #triesnottohyperventelate 😉 SO encouraged and bolstered through the launch of this book thanks to you all.
And so many greats here! Books I’ve loved and some that I am desperately needing to get my hands on! I read books all the time based on recommendations. Blogs like yours, Rel’s and Rissi’s are a few of my go-to’s. Thanks for all you ladies do!
now it’s MY turn to slightly faint and hyperventilate – putting my blog in the same sentence as Rel’s and Rissi’s? EEP! #sitsdown 😉 Seriously though – as the answers kept coming in over the past couple of weeks and I saw how many times The Lady and the Lionheart made the list, I did a happy dance in your honor 😀
I am lucky to work with several ladies who read. We often share book recommendations. One friend is reading my copy of The Feathered Bone by Julie Cantrell, which stunned me. Another friend just loaned me her copy of Beth Moore’s The Undoing of Saint Silvanus, which I’ll start reading tomorrow. Like you, I tend to read books that I receive for review, so it’s special when I get to choose one for myself!
oh that’s fun! I work from home so I’m it to exchange books with haha!
I just got home from a long day at work–complete with a flat tire! Your blog put the smile back on my face and the bounce back in my step. Time for a bookstore run! So many great titles here. And so many I haven’t read. It’s a fascinating mix.
Can I add another one? My non-writer friend Deb recommended The Kite Runner. I can’t believe I waited so long to read it. This book will stay with me forever–both for the inspiring story and the beautiful prose.
aww flat tires are so frustrating!!! I’m glad you’re home safe and sound now. So very happy that I was able to redeem part of the day for you!!! That puts a smile on MY face 😀
And yes of course you add another one 🙂 I have had The Kite Runner on my radar for a while now – need to read ASAP. A fascinating mix of titles on today’s post for sure!
I recently read Catherine West’s The Things We Knew on your recommendation, Carrie, and I just have to say once again – you were spot on! I don’t think I’ve fully recovered yet 😉
awww yay!! #teamGray 😉
This is brilliant! Most the time I read books for review purposes…but every once in awhile I will see certain books flying around the interweb…and just NEED to read it. The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder was one such book. I bought it the day I read Annie’s review on Just Commonly.
i love that series! And Annie! and YOU! 🙂
And I love you!!!!
Hi! Love this post idea! I have The Boys in the Boat on my TBR list. Great post 🙂
Leslie
My TTT
Yay! Thanks, Leslie!
I love the way you did this TTT, Carrie! So clever!
I’m glad to see Dawn’s Everstone Chronicles on the recommendation lists. Some of my favorites 🙂 I really want to read The Lady and the Lionheart and The Prayer Box and Love, Lace and Minor Alterations. And, as always, I’m adding too many to my TBR. If only we could all just read all day with no other responsibilities 😉
Thanks for stopping by my TTT earlier 🙂
I know! I keep trying to figure out how I can quit my real job and just read lol
Well, thanks to you, Carrie, and several other bloggers, I have a huge “want to read” shelf on Goodreads.
I’m currently reading Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman. Julie is one of my favorite authors, but I had only read her historical novels until I read so many great reviews for the 2nd book in the Isle of Hope series. I got Glimmer of Hope free ,read it and got hooked!
i LOVE the Isle of Hope series – yay!
I’m so excited! I won a copy of My Hope Next Door at the Fall in Love Facebook party!
YAY!!! Happy birthday 😀
Carrie, this is insanely clever. I love that you stuck with the topic but put such a unique spin on it. 🙂
Seeing “The Lady and the Lionheart” show up so much made me smile. Also, Tammy L. Grays latest is a real delight. Like you, I don’t read as many recommendations because of REVIEW BOOKS (which I may “complain” about – in the sense that I let my TBR get out of hand, but of course, we love it, right!?). That said, I always appreciate recommendations.
Exactly! 🙂
OMG THIS IS A BRILLIANT TWIST ON THE PROMPT. I LOVE IT!! And also flailing because SPLINTERED.?
Lol!!!