Monday, January 4, 2016

Rebecca's Top Ten Reads of 2015

Note from Anne: I have been plagued with computer problems for months. My laptop was sluggish to the point that I couldn't upload any images, let alone edit anything in a timely manner, meaning I basically quit. My husband suggested a week ago that I take advantage of the free upgrade to Windows 10. Now I'm a girl that's kind of set in her ways so the transition has not been an easy one, and I wouldn't do it if I had the choice again. On top of that little quirk, my laptop actually ended up having to be reset after upgrading. Not fun at all! I lost emails from friends, family, authors, publishers, and all my installed programs. In short, it's been a nightmare. Hopefully some of the problems are resolved now and I can get back in to posting here at Stuff & Nonsense. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Now on to Rebecca's favorites for 2015!

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Admittedly, choosing only ten books out of over one hundred and fifty titles, is a daunting task to an avid reader. Every committed reader devours and enjoys a good story, but these particular novels have risen to the top of an amazing year of reading due to the author’s ingenuity, creativity, depth of spirituality or simply because they have struck a chord of personal connection on some level. The year 2015 has been an amazing year to have a “nose in a book”! Thank you to the amazing writers that have made this list possible. Choices are listed in no particular order, other than when they came to mind . . . . .

“Brentwood’s Ward” by Michelle Griep


“Tiffany Girl” by Deanne Gist


“To Win Her Favor” by Tamera Alexander


“The Art of Losing Yourself” by Katie Ganshert


“Battered Justice” by Linda J. White


“Love’s Fortune” by Laura Frantz


“The Wood’s Edge” by Lori Benton


“Spy in Richmond” by Jocelyn Greene


“The Wedding Chapel” by Rachel Hauck


“The Sea Keeper’s Daughters” by Lisa Wingate


My favorite debut authors have penned these great stories . . .

“The Thorn Bearer” by Pepper Basham


“One Plus One Equals Trouble” by Sondra Kraak


“Irish Meadows” by Susan Anne Mason



Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With nearly 28 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

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Thanks, Rebecca, for sharing your favorite reads of 2015! These look like some great stories. I've only read two of these books so I'm adding the other eight to my TBR. :-) Y'all can read the reviews for each of these books over on Goodreads.

Readers, Have you read any of these books? If so, which ones are your favorites? Please share in the comments below. We love to know what you're reading and any recommendations you have for us.

Blessings for a new year filled with love, hope, joy, good books, and no more computer issues!



18 comments:

  1. There are some of my favourite authors in the list, but I don't recall having read any of the books.
    I decided not to upgrade to the constant requests from Windows 10. Having read your comments I'm glad I have stayed with 7.

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    1. Hey Barbara, Some of mine too! I really didn't read very many full length books this year. Too much going on in life. Still praying for you and your husband. {{hugs}}

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  2. So hope all your computer woes are over! I'm very honored to find the Ballantynes here among such beautifully crafted books. Thx from the bottom of my bookish heart 📚💙!

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    1. Hi Laura, I'm getting the bugs out...hehe! Thank you for taking time to stop by Stuff & Nonsense! Rebecca and I both appreciate your writing and look forward to your future books. Happy New Year!

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  3. Thank you so much for including "Battered Justice!" I have read and loved many of these books, including Laura Frantz's and Lori Benton's. Lovely books, and I'm so thrilled my suspense story made the cut.

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    1. Hi Linda, Rebecca has intrigued me greatly with her review of your book, and as an avid suspense reader I hope to read your books soon! Thanks for stopping by today. Blessings in the New Year!

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  4. Well bless your dear heart, Anne.
    Sigh...You are way ahead of me when it comes to working out those glitches with the computer. I take my hat off to you. :-)
    Blessings~~ Debbie

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    1. Oh Debbie, It's been horrible! I am not a patient person when it comes to technology. Just ask my husband. ;)
      We need to chat soon. Love to you, dear friend!

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  5. I'm so happy to see The Sea Keeper's Daughters in such great company! So many of these books were reads I enjoyed this year. Now I'll have to check out the rest!

    Blessings -- Lisa

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    1. Hi Lisa, Thanks for taking time to leave a comment! Happy New Year!!!

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  6. Does it matter what year the book was published? The Covered Deep by Brandy Vallance is a book I read last year. It was unlike any other book I have read in quite some time.

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    1. Hi Linda, We are not picky about year published! I am always open to a good book. Some of the best ones are older books. :) I'll have to check this one out. Thanks for taking time to leave a recommendation. Happy New Year!

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  7. Brentwood's Ward made my top reads of 2015 list as well. Great book!

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    1. Hi Sarah, Great book! It made mine too. I just don't have it posted yet. :-)

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  8. I am honored indeed to be amongst such company. Thanks for the honor!

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  9. Great list and I have read most of these! Michelle Griep's amazing writing almost made me give up my own writing, but after praying about it God urged me to continue!!! SO sorry about the computer problem. Windows 10 did some squirrelly stuff with our PC, too, but it seems ok now. Hugs to Anne and Rebecca!!

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    1. You are amazing that you can write as much as you do and STILL manage to read so many books! Let alone the time it takes to care for your family, friends and writing groups.

      I do wish i hadn't upgraded and subsequently reset my computer. If I had reset it first, I wouldn't be stuck with Win10. I could go back to Win7, which I liked.

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I am so delighted that you've taken time to come by and comment. Blessings for a joy-filled day!

1 Corinthians 1:3 ~ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.