My Top Ten Reads 2015 - Andrea Grigg

Oh, how I love reading! There are never enough hours in the day for it as far as I’m concerned. Here is my selection for this year, in no particular order. A couple of my choices might surprise you J

1.    Jaded – by Varina Denman

This is Varina’s first novel, and the first in the Mended Hearts series. It held me spellbound from beginning to end. Ruthie was shunned by the church as a child, but things change when she is attracted to the new preacher in town. A beautiful romance, not only between a man and a woman, but also between God and his church. (Read my review here)

2.    Justified – also by Varina Denman

This is the second in the Mended Hearts series and can be read as a stand alone. Unmarried and pregnant, Fawn is riddled with guilt and yearns for grace. The local football coach doesn’t judge her, and also treats her with respect. Is it possible Fawn’s broken dreams can be mended along with her heart? (Read my review here)

3.    Sway – by Amy Matayo

     This contemporary romance gripped me by the throat. (Read my review here) It still leaves me open-mouthed whenever I think of it! Kate and Caleb have an instant connection and it doesn’t take long for their relationship to intensify—only to discover it will never, ever, work. I was hooked from the first page

4.    London Tides – Carla Laureano

   

  This is the second book in the MacDonald Family Trilogy, Five Days in Skye is the first, but London Tides can be read as a stand alone. Photojournalist Grace returns to London hoping to reconnect with former fiancé, Ian. Ten years ago, he gave up everything for her, only to have her run out on him. Can their relationship be restored? (Read my review here)

5.    Love is the New Black – Cameron Semmens.

      A departure from the norm for me. Poetry isn’t usually my thing, but this book most definitely is. I will dip in and out of this one over and over.

      (Read my review here)

6. Inbetween (a Katie Parker Production, Book 1) – Jenny B Jones

     Another departure from the norm for me. Inbetween is a YA novel and I absolutely loved it! Katie Parker’s mother is in prison, her father is AWOL, and she gets sent to a squeaky clean family to live. I fell in love with the troubled Katie. She made me laugh, she made me cry, she made me want to take her home. NB: this book is free on Amazon.

7.    The Flower Arrangement ­– by Ella Griffin

Please note: This is a general market novel, and some language and scenes may offend. The reason I’m including it is that it is written from several characters' viewpoints, and yet the author has managed to write each of them in deep point of view. I loved the stories which all stem (pardon the pun) from  Blossom and Grow, a florist shop in Dublin, and all tie in together. With loads of fresh writing and original figurative language, The Flower Arrangement is a book I will read to improve my craft as well as for the enjoyment of the story.

8.    J J Smith’s 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse – by J.J.Smith

Told you there’d be a few different ones in here! My hairdresser recommended this to me and I have to say it’s changed my life! I lost a chunk of weight over the ten days (which I never do) and a month on I’ve kept it off. I’m also sleeping better and my energy levels have increased. The smoothies are delicious and varied and totally doable. I’ll be doing another detox in the New Year. As you do J

9.    This Quiet Sky (an historical novella) – Joanne Bischoff

     Oh my goodness. Talk about an emotional journey! This story is about 16-year-old Sarah Miller and Tucker O’Shay (a boy with a fatal illness) who becomes her algebra tutor. If this novella doesn’t choke you up I’ll be very, very surprised. This Quiet Sky is one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read.

10. Just One Summer – box set

      Four award-winning authors: Nicole Deese, Tammy L Gray, Amy Matayo and Jenny B Jones. Four clean romances. It’s a win-win! Thoroughly enjoyable.

      

So there you go. Hope you enjoy one or two of these as much as I did. See you next year!

    

      About Andrea Grigg

      I am an author of two Christian contemporary romances: A Simple Mistake and Too Pretty, and I'm working on my third. My website is under reconstruction at the moment but you can contact me on Facebook or Twitter. I would love to hear from you!