The 10 Best Books I Read in 2021

What a strange year for reading and writing and (lack of) concentration! I struggled to finish what I thought was going to be the easiest to write in my current fantasy series and felt a huge sense of relief when I published it in July. So far book 4 is flowing easier, but the story is veering away from what I thought it was going to be, so it will be interesting to see how this difficult character redeems herself....

Meanwhile, though I'm not including any on this list, I read much more nonfiction than I have in a long time, mainly because I made a New Year's resolution to develop a green thumb. I knew I couldn't grow plants the way my father did, or my sisters do, so I did it my way: science projects! I've managed to keep 90% of my houseplants thriving, but I'm still failing spectacularly with outside plants in this unforgiving climate. I'll keep trying!

Much of the fiction I read this year was by the same author, the fabulous Corinna Turner, which is why so many of her books appear in this list. I only "met" my Goodreads goal by counting Gerald and Piggie books I read aloud with my 7 year old granddaughter. Author Mo Willems does a fabulous job of writing fun and accessible books for struggling readers, and I appreciate him for encouraging my granddaughter and grandson to love books, but I haven't included any of those books in this list.

#10: The Guardian series by Kathryn Braddock

I read books 2 and 3 this year, and I must say, this teen author is so good at getting inside a wolf's head and making these characters believably realistic! If you like fantasy with wolves, I recommend beginning with the first book, as the trilogy is episodic.

#9: Her Mistletoe Mistake by Franky A. Brown

Romance is not my favorite genre, but Brown is especially good at writing "rom com" and this story is no exception! Ski-instructor Chloe and serviceman Nathan have both been burned in the recent past, but when they meet there are fireworks of all different kinds. A fun Christmas story with two lovable MCs and a cast of well-rounded minor characters set in the fictional town of Mistletoe, Colorado.

#8: Rightfully Ours by Carolyn Astfalk

This is an unusual love story about two teens, Paul and Rachel, but also involves a mystery about historical artifacts. The characters are real and engaging, and the setting is so well-drawn, the reader feels transported to the place. There is a strong theme of chastity and waiting until marriage, and the story deals realistically with the temptations faced by every teen in love.

#7: Liberation: A Dystopian Novel about Courage, Freedom, and Sacrifice by Corinna Turner

This is the third book in Turner's incredible I Am Margaret series, and it continues where the last book left off. Margaret, Bane, Jon, and the rest of the exiles are as safe as possible from the vengeful EuroGov, but Margaret can't help but think about how to liberate other teens destined to be killed to recycle their organs. So liberate they do, but at a very high cost. Nail-biting action and suspense! I recommend you start with book 1: I Am Margaret. You will never forget the courage of this amazing young woman!

#6: Word Has It by Julie B. Cosgrove

Mystery has never been my favorite genre, but Cosgrove writes fun cozy Christian mystery series. This is book 1 in a new series, and I love the way the author weaves the stories around word-themed clues, since her MC Wanda loves to play Scrabble with her nephew the policeman in a small Texas town. Wanda is believable and makes you want to give her a hug, and her friends and neighbors are all realistic, from the sensible to the zany to the suspicious. Recommended, even if you don't read mysteries!

#5: Marrying Emma by Melanie D. Snitker

I've read several other books by this terrific author. She writes Christian romance, and although romance is not my favorite genre, Snitker is SO good at writing sympathetic characters with whom it is easy to relate and cheer for. This book has two especially sympathetic characters: Marty who has lost a leg in an accident, and Emma who has had a heart transplant. Both are lonely but neither believes they'll find someone who can live with their medical challenges. This book can be read as a standalone in the series Brides of Clearwater, but it's good enough it will make you want to read more of them!

#4: Wild Life by Corinna Turner

This is #5 in Turner's excellent unSPARKed dystopian series, set in a future United States with dinosaurs. I used to despise dystopian novels until I discovered this author. She has created courageous and sympathetic characters with whom it is easy to love and admire, and focuses more on their spiritual lives while they are surviving in harsh and unforgiving places. I recommend you begin with book 1, since this series is episodic, but if you ever liked dinosaurs, it is worth your time, and you may find a new favorite series, like I have!

#3: A Dino Whisperer at the Zoo by Corinna Turner

Okay, this one is technically a short story, but it is SO good and can be read as a standalone from Turner's dinosaur series AND as a bonus, it's free on Amazon, so check it out! This author is SO good at writing heart-stopping action.

#2: Breach! by Corinna Turner

This is a stand-alone prequel novel in the unSPARKed series, and is well-written, compelling, and blew me away that Turner could write a dystopian novel with such a powerful pro-life theme! As a bonus, it details the origin of my favorite character in this world.

#1: Heartless Hette by M. L. Farb

Even though this book is #3 in a series, it is a stand-alone in every way. And oddly enough, when I first began this book, which became my favorite read of the year, I was worried I wouldn't be able to finish it. Farb is one of my new favorite writers, but Hette was not a very sympathetic character at first. As I continued, I saw why. This is the story of her journey--not just a physical quest, but a test of character for her. And what a magnificent journey it is, full of twists and turns, totally unpredictable! I loved the section with the riddles, and the wonderful supporting characters. I was fully immersed in this story and could feel the mud and grit, the unbearable tension and despair. The ending was completely satisfying and very unexpected! Highly recommended for all ages.