The best of 2021 will grow as the days, weeks and pages go by. But here’s what I’ve read and adored so far. Your next great read is here. Let me save you the hard work of studying reviews – take your pick from something I can vouch for.
IMPORTANT: These are not in order of preference, but rather when I read them. Several of these authors are friends, so there’s no way I’d play favorites!
Active Defense by Lynette Eason
This has been a great series and all the books standalone. In this installment, military field surgeon Heather Fontaine works with security firm boss Travis Walker after someone tries to kill her. Then the narrative turns action packed and gripping as they try to stop the killer before it’s too late.
Unknown Threat by Lynn Blackburn
Oh glory. The start of a new series from an auto buy author. The Defend and Protect series opens with the Secret Service agents of the Raleigh Field Office under attack. FBI agent Faith Malone is tasked with finding the killer, but clashes with Special Agent Luke Powell. An unpredictable page-turner.
The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano
Determined nurse Willa Duvall’s world turns in a wholly unexpected direction after she discovers a long lost love letter inside her writing desk. She takes a job to help reunite the letter with its author, until the missive goes missing and romance runs amok. Brilliant and touching.
Present Danger – by Elizabeth Goddard
I loved my first experience of Elizabeth Goddard’s writing. Terra and Jack’s story is highly creative and a must read for anyone who likes wilderness or nature-based reads. Terra is a US Forest Service Special Agent and when the body count rises, so does the intrigue surrounding the apparent double life of the victim.
All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese
As far as bang up to date contemporary romance themes, what could be better than social media fashion influencer, pitting her wits against a youth charity worker. Molly wanted to help herself by helping others, until Seth’s altruism fanned a flame that was left dormant for too long.
Is it Any Wonder – by Courtney Walsh
What’s not to love when you’re introduced to a handsome and hunky member of the Coast Guard? Cody certainly lights up a page, even while brooding over seeing former best friend Louisa in a whole new light. Will a tragedy in their past tear them apart again, or can a fresh loss unite them?
Hope Between the Pages – by Pepper Basham
One of the most beautiful books I’ve read in a while. Follow the intersecting lives of ancestors separated by a strict class system, decades and an ocean. Lives and relationships are changed by the confusion over a lost deed and a bookshop under threat. Highly recommended.
Let it be Me – by Becky Wade
One of my auto-buy authors. Let It Be Me is a fabulous book. Imagine a math prodigy, caring for her little brother from the age of 18 (right after she got her degree), when her mother moves away, and an emotionally inaccessible heart surgeon. Sit back and enjoy what unfolds.
Come Back to Me – by Jody Hedlund
Here’s another stunning, inventive and compelling read. Based on a theory from her comatose father, Marian drinks some holy water then finds herself in the 1300s. A brilliant twist on time travel and the ramifications of such activity. This has me watching the calendar for the second in the series.
No Journey Too Far – by Carrie Turansky
The conclusion to the McAlister series made me cheer and cry. From lighthearted moments to heartbreaking loss, this book showcases what a family will do to reunite its member, despite fate and bad-timing tearing them apart. I loved these stories and hope you do too.
The Heart’s Charge – by Karen Witemeyer
Book two in the Hanger’s Horsemen series lives up to the excellent opener. Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks are afoot (or actually, ahorse) in Llano County, TX, where Mark encounters the woman who broke his heart, then Jonah finds one who might make his soar. But missing children come first. Highly recommended.
And if my Best of 2021 don’t provide enough choice, here are my most anticipated reads of 2020. They didn’t disappoint.
What a great list! Several of those are on my TBR pile!
What great titles! Several are on my TBR pile and I’m adding the others!