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Tuesday 15 December 2015

My Top 10 Reads of 2015

By Iola Goulton

It's that time of year again, when we look back and review the books we've read this year, to determine which were the best—in a purely subjective sense, of course. Here are my picks of the ten best novels I read in 2015, in no particular order:


I read close to 150 novels in 2015, which means a lot of them started sounding similar. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean the books I've chosen as my favourite fiction reads were the novels what were a little out of the ordinary, with unique plots and outstanding writing.

1. Same by Katrina Roe

I don't often review children's books, but I was thrilled to receive Same for review (and the two-year-old I passed my copy on to apparently loves it!). Click here to read my review.

2. A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

This is probably the most 'traditional' CBA book I read this year, although one of the reasons I enjoy Karen Witemeyer's historical western romances is her use of humour, which does raise her work above the norm. Click here to read my review.

3. Kept By Sally Bradley

Several people recommended Kept to me, and it more than lived up to the high expectations. Click here to read my review.

4. Jaded by Varina Denman

Another novel recommended by friends, this time by Andrea Grigg. Outstanding. Click here to read my review.

5. The Captive Imposter by Dawn Crandall

The historical romance from Dawn Crandall, the final book in her debut trilogy, appealed to me both because of the unique plot and her convincing use of first person point of view. Click here to read my review.

6. Feast for Thieves by Marcus Brotherton

Feast for Thieves was won the 2015 Christy Award for First Novel, no doubt because of the unique combination of unique plot and author voice. Click here to read my review.

7. I Always Cry at Weddings by Sara Goff

I've read I Always Cry at Weddings, but haven't reviewed it. Narelle Atkins has, and I echo all her comments. Click here to read Narelle's review.

8. A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter

Something unusual: a Regency romance written by an American author that isn't full of Americanisms (one of my pet hates). Click here to read my review.

9. One Last Thing by Rebecca St John and Nancy Rue

An eye-opening novel highlighting a modern problem. Highly recommended. Click here to read my review.

10. Making Marion by Beth Moran

British chick-lit at its finest. Helen Fielding meets Marion Keyes, but from a subtle Christian point of view. Click here to read my review.

What was your favourite fiction read of 2015?


About Iola Goulton

I am a freelance editor specialising in Christian fiction, and you can find out more about my services at my website, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Tsu.

I love reading, and read and review around 150 Christian books each year on my blog. I'm a Top 25 Reviewer at Christian Book, in the Top 1% of reviewers at Goodreads, and have an Amazon Reviewer Rank that floats around 2500

13 comments:

  1. I also enjoyed several of those on your list. You're right, they did stand out for the reason you mentioned.

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    1. Yes, it's been a great year for Christian fiction!

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  2. I've read four from your list. Looks like I've got six more to add to my TBR pile :)

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    1. I've just read Paula's Top 10, and that was my thought!

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  3. Love this time of year when we get to read the Top 10's of some of our favourite reviewers. And Koorong's discount sale is perfectly timed for adding to our TBR piles. I loved Kept and Jaded is rising fast on my TBR pile.

    Thanks for sharing, Iola.

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    1. If you liked Kept, you should also enjoy Jaded, I Always Cry at Weddings, and One Last Thing. Because I know you have nothing to read :)

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    2. Ian and Iola, thanks so much for mentioning Kept here! I was so surprised to see Kept on a list. You've made my night ('cause it's late here in the States)!

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  4. Wow, thanks for including The Captive Imposter, Iola! ❤️ I'm glad you enjoyed it so very much! It's an honor to make a list like this from such an avid reader! ☺️

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    1. A pleasure, Dawn. Thanks for visiting, and I'll be looking forward to your next novel!

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  5. I'm honored to see "I Always Cry at Weddings" on your list, Iola! It's a great reading reference. Thank you!

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    1. A pleasure, Sara. Narelle recommended it to me, and she was spot on (as usual).

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  6. Iola, great list! Sara's debut book was one of my favourites for 2015. Thanks for introducing us to new authors through your reviews :)

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  7. Great List! I haven't read any of the books on your list. It is always great to find new books and authors!

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