My Top Ten Best Books of 2012

Putting these lists together is one of my favorite of favorite posts of the entire year. I love looking back on great 2012 fiction offerings and sharing with YOU what I thought was the best.

And of course in turn, seeing what made it on your list. It's a great post to write and a fun theme to visit on blogs across the internet. Share your links in the comments if you've already posted!

Here is my Top Ten list numbered from 10-1 and oh-so-hard to choose between!

Of the 142 books I read this year, 16 got 5 stars. 

#10:

Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall

The power of each word builds a story complex in emotion and plot is carefully built until at the end of the story I was disappointed to leave these characters behind.

#9:

No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

This novel came out of nowhere and completely enthralled me. 

#8:

A Light in the Window by Julie Lessman

Well over 2500 pages have been consumed through my eager fingers over the years and this family has truly become my own.

#7:

A Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh

I loved the plot, the characters, the writing, the setting. In short…oh yeah, I already said that, but I’ll say it again. I loved this book.

#6:

To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander

I read the story slowly, not because it didn’t thoroughly capture my attention, but only because it didn’t feel right to blaze through for the sake of simply reading. 

#5:

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz

There is a rhythm, a cadence to their story, the words sweeping me into eighteenth century America. 

#4:

You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren

“You Don’t Know Me” is a gripping marvel of strong storytelling and solid characters that beg to have their story told in the way that has put Warren on the Christian fiction map.

#3:

Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

The plot is unique and just wait until you read the scene where the brothers “draw straws”. You might want to swoon. I wanted to…

#2:

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert

Katie Ganshert may be a debut author, but this novel does not read like a debut. Surely she has been holding out on us and there is a published backlist.

#1: 

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Fitting into this novel was like stepping into a Cinderella fairy tale…and the glass slipper didn’t pinch a bit.

WOW, what a great bunch of fiction! Honorary mentions that didn't make my list, but I still loved were: 

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck; 

A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman; 

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

What made your list??