MY TOP READS FOR 2016
In 2016 I increased my reading, my reviews, and gained new author friends. My blog got a little more busy. More authors “found” me and offered me their books to read. This satisfied my goal of reading outside of my normal genre of Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense. I found some real treasures this year.
Here are some of my favorite reads of 2016 (in no order):
note: all Amazon links are affiliate links
Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey
New to me author, inspirational romantic suspense, well written.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/02/29/cold-shot-dani-pettrey/
Amazon link: Cold Shot
Behave by Andromeda Romano-Lax
I found this read a bit disturbing and difficult to read at first but it is a good read.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/04/07/behave-andromeda-romano-lax/
Amazon link: Behave
When We Were Sisters by Emilie Richards
I’ve been reading the older books being rereleased by Emilie in eBook format. When We Were Sisters is a new release and I just loved it. It represents a side of foster care/children. A statement from the book describing what living in foster care is like – “At the mercy of strangers” – still floats in my head. It is very thought provoking.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/06/01/when-we-were-sisters-emilie-richards/
Amazon link: When We Were Sisters
Christy Reece
Christy had 3 new releases in 2016 (Running Scared, Whatever It Takes, and Running Wild) Her books are jammed packed action adventure, suspense. I’ve reread her books numerous times.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/06/03/running-scared-christy-reece/
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/01/28/whatever-it-takes-christy-reece/
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/11/02/new-release-blitz-running-wild-by-christy-reece/
Visit Christy’s Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Christy-Reece/e/B002K8S34A/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1483039516&sr=8-2-ent
When We Meet Again by Kristin Harmel
A beautifully written, emotional love story interlaced with mystery. It weaves from the WWII era up to present-day seamlessly. A book for my keeper shelf.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/06/07/when-we-meet-again-kristin-harmel/
Amazon: When We Meet Again
The Everett Files by T.J. Spade
A thrilling page turner – it’s a three book series. I’ve read the first two, hoping to read the third within the next week.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/07/20/spotlight-on-the-everett-files-by-t-j-spade/
The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchinson
The Butterfly Garden is a well-written, chilling, terrifying thriller that may not be for everyone. It is dark, twisted, mystery that deals with young girls who are kidnapped, raped, murdered, then displayed.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/07/18/the-butterfly-garden-dot-hutchison/
Amazon: The Butterfly Garden (The Collector Trilogy)
The French War Bride by Robin Wells
A story of a young girl trying to survive during occupied France and what led up to her being a war bride of someone else’s fiancée. Another book for my keeper shelf.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/08/02/book-review-the-french-war-bride-by-robin-wells/
Amazon: The French War Bride (Wedding Tree)
A Killer in the City by Riley McKissack
McKissack has written a suspenseful novel around the killings taking place in Atlanta with multiple suspects that I was questioning just about all the characters involved, even the good guys. Just when you think you have the case closed – suspect nailed – she gives you a twist with double intertwining triangles. Riley’s background journalist experience gives her writing from the reporter/cameraperson perspective differently than other “cop” stories I have read. Well done!
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/12/04/review-a-killer-in-the-city-by-riley-mckissack/
Amazon: A Killer in the City: Blue Lights (Men of the Badge)
Serpents and Doves by G. Lloyd Helm
Not a typical book I would have selected but Mr. Helm graciously supplied me a copy of the book to read and review and I’m so glad he did. The characters were well written and believable. Serpents and Doves gave me a glimpse into what it was like in the segregated South from someone who was not exposed to. It gives you a different view of the 1960’s; while it touches on the big events (ie Vietnam, Civil Rights) it gives you a personal view. And just like Stephen, I found it an eye opener. A good and recommended read.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/08/14/book-review-serpents-and-doves-by-g-lloyd-helm/
Amazon: Serpents and Doves
Debra Webb:
This year I was introduced to Debra Webb. Not sure how I missed her writing before but I’m playing catchup! A fantastic writer of suspense. I read three of hers this year:
Dark Whispers and Still Waters are from a new series, Faces of Evil: Private Eyes
Blackest Crimson is a prequel to a new series Shades of Death – it’s short but powerful
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/09/01/book-review-dark-whispers-by-debra-webb/
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/09/23/book-review-still-waters-by-debra-webb/
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/12/02/review-the-blackest-crimson-by-debra-webb/
Veil of Shadows by Diana Marik
The author has carefully constructed this Vampire/Were/Human world with very descriptive characters & settings that you can imagine it being real. The characters are edgy, sexy, and intriguing. Her writing style drew me in and kept me fascinated; the suspense kept me on the edge waiting to see what would happen next. Veil of Shadows is fast paced and action packed. I highly recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance and romantic urban fantasy as well as those who are not a fan of that genre – you might, like me, become a fan.It’s part of a 7 book series with a novella coming out in January 2017.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/10/17/book-review-veil-of-shadows-by-diana-marik/
Amazon: Veil of Shadows (Seven Deadly Veils) (Volume 1)
Garden of Her Heart – Shanna Hatfield
A wonderful sweet romance with history woven into the storyline. The characters are well developed and the story interesting. This is a realistic story from the early 1940’s that showcases the love story (and friendship) between an American-Japanese woman and a wounded American soldier. Garden of Her Heart certainly inspired me and I learned quite a bit of history that wasn’t on my radar. It will definitely touch your heart and it’s a tale I won’t soon forget.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/12/11/book-review-garden-of-her-heart-by-shanna-hatfield/
Amazon: Garden of Her Heart (Hearts of the War) (Volume 1)
Charming by Jennifer Miller
A modern day sexy Cinderella story. I absolutely loved this book. You have your sexy, too good to be true Prince Charming (who’s a famous actor), Cinderella (CEO of her own marketing firm), Fairy Godmother (a great listener on an airplane); the stepmother and stepsister from hell; a pink flip flop (aka glass slipper), and of course an “And They Lived Happily Ever After” ending.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/09/20/book-review-charming-by-jennifer-miller/
Amazon: Charming: A Modern Day Sexy Cinderella Story
Mixing It Up by Traci Banister
A funny chick-lit story. Great cast of characters.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2016/10/20/mixing-it-up-by-tracie-banister-release-blitz/
Amazon: Mixing It Up
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