Favorite Reads of 2017

I read a lot. And I mean a LOT. Always have. My favorite books are often Christian fiction, though it takes patience to weed through the meh to find the treasures. These books, all released in 2017, were my favorite Christian fic of the year. In no particular order: The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner, The Esther Paradigm by Sarah Monzon, Until I Do by T.i. Lowe, and Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano. Three more books that were excellent this year and deserve a mention for the beautiful way they handle emotionally charged situations are Just Maybe by Crystal Walton, Always by Jenn Faulk, and Believing in Tomorrow by Kimberly Rae Jordan.

Each book on the list is a rare gem of originality in a world of stories that often don’t stand out. These books reach out and elicit such a strong, emotional response, inspiring deeper thought and reflection, encouraging the reader to reach out of the everyday and make an impact on other people. All shed light on what the Christian life SHOULD look like, often pointing out where the church too often falls short, and yet offer hope and grace and beauty with restoration.

The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck—Absolutely the funniest, most original contemporary romance I have ever read. Bethany Turner writes about a woman scorned who becomes a racy romance author…and then becomes a Christian. Sarah is immediately thrown into a whole new world with new rules and expectations and lingo. Her observations are honest, witty, and raw at times. Navigating this new life isn’t easy, but the super cute pastor she immediately connects with just might send her over the edge. Be prepared to laugh out loud, feel frustrated at the setbacks, and cheer for her triumphs.

The Esther Paradigm—One of the most original books I’ve read in ages. Sarah Monzon takes the tale of Esther, modernizes it and spins it on its ear in a beautiful story of childhood friendship turned to love. This book honors God and his word, while also honoring the Muslim religion and Bedouin people. The missionary heart comes through loud and clear in a suspenseful mystery that is thoroughly engaging from start to finish. It was hard to put down. Sarah Monzon does original really well. Her Isaac Project is another worthwhile read.

Until I Do—A rare gem love story of a long-married couple struggling to keep it all together. Told from both the husband and the wife’s perspectives, TI Lowe writes an emotionally gripping story of two people who love each other but are overwhelmed by the frustrations and trials of married life. This book pulled at me to examine my own marriage and what I need to be doing to safeguard it, nurture it, and keep it healthy. Never preachy, this book is certainly an emotional roller coaster as the couple has to find not only where they belong in regard to each other, but with their children, friendships, and with the Lord. I laughed, I cried, and I went and read everything else she’s ever written that I hadn’t already devoured. Its sequel is also fantastic.

Lady Jayne Disappears–Fans of Jane Austen, Bronte, Dickens, Sherlock Holmes, and other Victorian era tales will absolutely adore this book. Somehow, this award winning debut author has managed to take elements of each of these authors’ styles and twist them together in a tale of intrigue, romance, and mystery that sheds light into the dark places of Victorian society, makes witty social commentary, and captures readers’ attention from the first sentence. It calls into question the difference between religion and truly being like Christ, becoming his hands and feet while also finding one’s place in the world. Her observations into the mind of a writer are keen, making this by far my most highlighted text yet.

Believing in Tomorrow—Kimberly Rae Jordan is one of the first Christian romance authors I was introduced to as an adult. This Callaghan and McFaddens addition is easily the most emotionally gripping of all her books. Sammie has grown up in a Christian family who lives their faith in action everyday. Like so many, she makes a few critical mistakes that have lasting consequences. While she struggles to feel forgiven and redeemed, her baby daddy can’t seem to figure out why this condemning faith is so important to her. They each make the journey to know Jesus and his grace while coming to find love as well. The way she handled the gift of grace and restoration makes me respect KRJ even more than I already did.

Always—I make it no secret Jenn Faulk is one of my very favorite authors. She writes fun, often lighthearted stories that guarantee a happy ending. What I love most is that she is never afraid to point out the crazy, good, bad, and misguided things the church is often guilty of that so often cause division and wounds in its people. And yet, she always, always unifies things by reminding readers it’s all just about Jesus anyway. Always is the difficult story of a young girl who finds herself pregnant without knowing exactly how. Jenn walks us through Brooke’s healing and the restoration of her dearest friendship in such a heartfelt, sweet way. She takes a very difficult subject and treats it gently but honestly.

Just Maybe—Crystal Walton’s Write Me Home series is beautiful, emotional, and fun. Just Maybe is the 3rd story in the series, (the second, Begin Again, is my absolute favorite) and it does not disappoint. She takes often overused mistaken identity-baby on the doorstep-billionaire daddy (which usually would put me off) story concepts and twists them into an original story that is sweet, heartfelt, and clever. Former characters make appearances to give things a nudge and drop truth bombs, while the leads have so much to figure out that readers keep turning pages just to put the pieces together and make sure this pair can get out of their own way to find what they need. With all the feels, there’s also humor and several pop culture Easter eggs.

So there you have it. For a girl who reads a few books a week, it is rare to read a truly memorable story. I like most stories, but the ones that stand out and make a positive impact on the world are rare. Books that encourage the spirit, the mind, and the heart, are beautiful to behold and deserve to be shared. While I’m at it, I need to mention Jennifer Rodewald’s The Carpenter’s Daughter (from 2016). I didn’t include it above because I was trying to stick to 2017 releases. But go get that one while you’re at it because it’s so, so good. Oh! And the Isle of Hope series by Julie Lessman. Eek! The FEELS!!

I hyperlinked the books to Amazon for convenience. I think nearly all of them are available to read free on Kindle Unlimited, too. If you’d rather purchase to support an author, then I’ll say thanks on their behalf as I send you to go buy books.Whether you buy or borrow, be sure to leave a review when you’re done. It’s the very nicest thing you can do for an author. Then, go find them on social media and follow, like, whatever. Engage with them. We LOVE it when readers do that.

Happy new year, my friends, and happy reading!