The 10 best books I read in 2020 (plus 2 honorable mentions)

 

A library in Prague we'd planned to see, but everything shut down the second day of our eight day trip  in March that turned into three weeks! (Image by izoca from Pixabay)

What a crazy year 2020 has been! I'm amazed I was able to read as many books as I did. I met my Goodreads goal of 60, only because GR lets you count "did not finish" books, of which there were several. I don't know if it was trouble concentrating or the stories just "hit" me the wrong way, but it still makes me sad when I can't finish a book, especially ones that seem to hold promise! Despite those few, I had a terrible time narrowing down my top 10 this year. As you will see, THREE authors (my new favorites) each had two books make the list! And, because I simply could not eliminate them, I have TWO honorable mentions, because stories that totally immerse me and make me fall in love with new fictional friends are very deserving of a mention!

So, I'll begin with the honorable mentions:

HM: Three Last Things: or The Hounding of Carl Jarrold, Soulless Assassin by Corinna Turner

Ms. Turner has become one of my top fav authors of all time. She is an incredible wordsmith who knows how to craft a story that grabs you by the throat and changes your heart simultaneously! This one was heart-stopping suspense, soul-changing, and completely unforgettable. Don't miss this novella, and don't let the fact that it takes place on death row put you off!

HM: Joy (Always Christmas Book Club 1) by Jessica L. Elliott

At the other end of the spectrum, this is a sweet, feel-good, heartwarming Christmas romance. I was skeptical of the "marriage of convenience" in the modern world trope, but the characters are so wonderfully real, I fell in love with them and completely immersed myself in their story. It's such a great Christmas read, I'm going to read it every year so I can revisit all the warm fuzzies.

#10: The Red Dragon Girl by Lea Doue

This is the third book of Doue's excellent Firethorn Chronicles fantasy series (my favorite so far) and is so well-written, it can stand alone. Princess Melantha is such a wonderful MC, and I loved the dragons!

#9: For Eden's Sake by T. M. Gaouette

I didn't think I would like this story, but it is powerfully pro-life, and the MC is hugely sympathetic. One reason it made this list is because I keep thinking about it, months after reading it. It's just that good!

#8: Leaf Me Alone (Relatively Seeking Book 3) by Julie B. Cosgrove

I've read several of Ms. Cosgrove's cozy mysteries, but this is my favorite so far! She combines genealogy with a mystery uncovering family secrets, and her married team of sleuths stole my heart!

#7: Vasilisa (Hearth and Bard Tales Book 1) by  M. L. Farb

I was familiar with the name from Russian folklore, but Ms. Farb has written an original historical fairy tale that is un-put-downable! I was totally immersed in this world and loved how Vasilisa is portrayed!

#6: What Truly Matters by Pamela Sharp

This is compelling historical family drama, sequel to a book higher on this list. While it's possible to read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading book 1 first. The characters alone are worth it, but it's also fascinating how the author wove the story around actual historical events, completely grounding the time and place.

#5: The Three Most Wanted by Corinna Turner

Here's Ms. Turner's second book on my list, which is the second in her powerful dystopian series (the first book, I Am Margaret, was on Book Dragon's top 10 last year). This installment is just as nail-biting and personal as the first book, with unexpected twists and turns that literally kept me on the edge my seat!

#4: The King's Shadow by M. L. Farb

This is the sequel to The King's Trial, which made Book Dragon's top ten last year and established M. L. Farb as one of my new favorite authors! This epic story continues in the realistic and gritty fantasy world Farb has created with her heroic characters rising to new heights and other characters causing appropriate mayhem.

#3: Blood Traitors by Stella Dorthwany

This is the sequel to Dorthwany's Sand and Storm, which made Book Dragon's top ten last year. Though we continue the journey with some of the realistic characters introduced there, this story has a completely different flavor, with intrigue, danger, a magical "game" even more wild and crazy than Quidditch, and secrets galore! What a fun romp!

#2: In the Double Agent's Service by Annie Douglass Lima

Lima has been one of my favorite authors since she began this Alasia fantasy series several years ago, and this new installment is one of my favorites! Just when I think Lima has covered all the bases in her realistic world, she mines new and exciting storylines. Eric and Anya have been encountered in previous books, but they are front and center in this story, with amazing results! It's the most unusual love story ever written, along with heart-pounding danger.

#1: Because That's What Families Do by Pamela Sharp

This generational family saga set post-World War 2 is a masterpiece of the human condition, specifically how families interact during times of crisis and upheaval. I'd put this book in the same masterpiece category as the works of John Jakes! The characters in this story have stolen my heart forever.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Wonderful sweet Christmas romance!

 

The Book Dragon has read Joy (Always Christmas Book Club 1) by Jessica L. Elliott and gives it 5 claws!

My review: This is a wonderful sweet Christmas romance! The MCs completely stole my heart! I did not expect to fall in love with this story, since "a marriage of convenience" in the modern world seems a stretch, but this story was so full of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, and family, immersing myself in it was every bit as satisfying as sipping on hot chocolate while sitting next to a beautiful Christmas tree, listening to my favorite Christmas songs. I will be reading this every Christmas as a new holiday tradition!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A beautifully written original fairy tale for all ages!

The Book Dragon has read An Echo of the Fae by Jenelle L. Schmidt and gives it 5 claws!

My review: This is a lovely, lyrical fantasy quest story that begins quietly but with a strong undercurrent of mystery. Then the almost 13-year-old heroine is faced with life-changing choices and must reach into the deepest corners of her soul to find courage and perseverance in overcoming the obstacles to the object of her quest.

It's difficult to write a review without spoilers. This story is uplifting and family-friendly in so many ways, a true "noblebright" fantasy tale! I encourage readers of all ages who like original fairy tales, selkies, the realm of fae, portals into other worlds, dragons, and magic to read this jewel! It's one of the best stories I've read this year.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: An imaginative sort-of Cinderella retelling

 

The Book Dragon has finished Ashen by H. L. Burke and gives it 5 claws!

My review: 4.5 stars for an imaginative world populated by memorable characters, especially the mysterious heroine Lizbete with skin the color of ash and a constant need for warmth. Burke is so good at writing stories about scrappy young female protagonists, and this one is hard to put down! It's difficult to write a review without spoilers, but if you like magic, mystery, and romance, you must read this book! It's fun to see the Cinderella tropes reimagined, but mostly it's a journey of discovery for Lizbete, her few friends, and the many who fear or distrust her. The climax is amazing! And I'm still puzzling over how Burke wrote temperature so well--I felt a chill in some places and began to sweat in others. Bravo!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A dark and deep fantasy with a strong heroine

 

The Book Dragon has read Thorn by Intisar Khanani and gives it 4 claws!

My review: This is a fantasy that immersed me in another time and culture with rich details. The characters were living and breathing, and there was an element of mystery as well as magic. The title character was relatable and sympathetic, and some of the minor characters stole my heart. The story is deep and dark and at times very uncomfortable; it makes the reader think about justice and mercy, vengeance and forgiveness. There is minor language and are some disturbing situations that might give a young or tender-hearted reader nightmares. I'd recommend for ages 17 and up.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A suspenseful, action-packed shifter story

The Book Dragon has finished Sarah Ashwood's Ashes on the Earth (Book 1 in the new Stones of Fire series) and gives it 5 claws!

My review: 4.5 stars for a vivid, suspenseful story with two flawed yet sympathetic main characters. I don't normally read urban fantasy because so much of it is hopelessly dark, and this one has its moments of darkness (and even bits of hopelessness). Overall, the female lead (Ellie) is idealistic, caring, self-sacrificing, and realistically religious, so even with the death and destruction she unwittingly falls into after saving a child's life, she still has a loving family waiting for her and faith to carry her through the fire. (Since the child's father is a different kind of "mob" boss.) Carter, the male lead, is more worldly and cynical, but he's a few years older than Ellie and has lived for twenty years in a world she (and most humans) never knew existed--shifters. The forms they take run the gamut of world mythology, and since Carter is half-Greek, his form is something from Greek mythology. Though Carter tries to keep a tough facade, his integrity, loyalty, and protectiveness comes through strongly.. 

There are two scenes of brutal violence, and though not graphic, might be upsetting to a young or tender-hearted reader. With the violence, some sexual tension between Ellie and Carter (but nothing inappropriate happens), and some mild language, I'd rate this book PG-13. There is a cliffhanger ending, and at the end the author has promised three more books in the series, so readers will eventually find out what happened! I'd call this book Bogart and Bacall with monsters.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Nail-biting, suspenseful stand-alone fantasy with cool magic!

 

The Book Dragon has read Blood Traitor (Legendary Magic #2) by Stella Dorthwany and gives it 5 enthusiastic claws!!!

My review: Oh, my heart! Last year I'd read and enjoyed the author's first book in this series (Sand and Storm) and didn't think I'd enjoy this one as much, but it was even better! The predicaments of cousins Cora and Faryn actually made me anxious at several points in the story (like, HOW are they going to survive THIS?) and the problems in their respective love lives did not detract from the nonstop danger and intrigue. If anything, it made this reader even more sympathetic to their plights! Kudos to the author for her deft hand at mystery. I kept guessing wrongly who the main baddie was....until he showed up and it made perfect sense. There are few books that are so engrossing as to make one lose track of time, put off needed chores, and lose sleep, but this is definitely one of them! If you like magical fantasy with engaging characters (even the minor ones) and a setting so realistic you can feel glitter between your fingers and smell the fresh blood (there are blood mages, after all, but there's nothing graphic--more kudos to the author), then I highly recommend this one! Even though it's the second in a series, it can stand alone.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Plot-driven epic fantasy

The Book Dragon has read Dragon's Truth by Leanne M. Pankuch and gives it 4 claws!

My review: This plot-driven epic fantasy is well-written with extensive world-building. I kept wanting the pace to slow just a bit to better know the characters, because some of them sounded like they could be very interesting. With such a large cast, it's harder to see them as individuals and feel empathy with them. Other than that disappointment, I recommend this book for fantasy lovers of all ages.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A contemporary YA with memorable characters

The Book Dragon has read Freeing Tanner Rose (Book 1 in the Faith and Kung Fu series) by T. M. Gaouette and gives it 4 claws!

My review: I should preface this review by saying I don't read a lot of contemporary YA, so the few things I didn't enjoy about this story might be the things an avid reader of this genre loves. What I did love about this story was the character of Gabriel, a quiet young man who deals with the struggles of life in two powerful ways: martial arts and his strong faith in God. His quiet country life with his mother and a small circle of Christian friends is upended when the younger daughter of his mother's former college roommate comes to stay with them. She is Tanner Rose, a fourteen yo "celebrity" of film and TV who already has problems with substance abuse due to her partying ways.

If Tanner's situation wasn't so horrifying to this mother of sons, I might have better enjoyed the sometimes comical ways she interacts with Gabriel, his mom, and their friends (like wearing white jeans and high heels to a campout). She's like a fish out of water, a very unlikable fish. But Gabriel and his mother are patient with Tanner and not only demonstrate their faith, but show the troubled girl caring and compassion like she's never before experienced.

There's not only a good story here but a great message. I would strongly encourage younger teens to read this with a parent (or at least have discussions about what happens in the story). Alcoholism, drug abuse, immodesty, and the partying life of a celebrity are shown, but never as a positive thing.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Suspenseful installment in a dinosaur dystopian series!

The Book Dragon has read Corinna Turner's Farmgirls Die in Cages (#4 in the unSPARKed series) and gives it 5 claws!

My review: Turner has done it again and written another suspenseful episode in the exciting future world of humans and dinosaurs living together. Darryl and her younger brother Harry go "from the frying pan into the fire" as their lives become more complicated. Thankfully the young hunter Joshua is willing to help them escape from a new predicament. As always, this episode ends on a cliffhanger, but I've come to accept that in this series because its SO good! Recommended for dino enthusiasts of any age, but you'll definitely want to start at the beginning with Drive!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Classic epic fantasy debut

The Book Dragon has read Champion of Valdeor by Sandralena Henley and gives it four claws!

My review: This classic epic fantasy has a strong heroic and legendary feel as the reader follows the quest of Alloryn to restore a lost princess as the Reina of Valdeor. Along the way he meets a cast of interesting characters, some friends and others foes. The stones of virtue the princess must win back make an excellent framework for the storyline as well as the theme. There is suspense, danger, heroism, and even a sweet romance, all written in such a way that the entire family can safely read and enjoy the story (and be uplifted). Alloryn and the princess are good role models for younger readers. Champion of Valdeor could even be read in a classroom to illustrate the timeless literary structure of the hero's journey.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Compelling, thoughtful, and life-changing story!

The Book Dragon has read Corinna Turner's page-turning novella Three Last Things: or The Hounding of Carl Jarrold, Soulless Assassin and gives it five claws!

My review: I've chosen to review this story by one of my favorite authors today because it's my birthday(!) and because this story is so special and unforgettable. It's difficult to explain why this story affected me so much without giving away spoilers, but I'm going to try! This is unlike any story I've read before. It was far out of my comfort zone (taking place inside a prison) and yet I could NOT put it down. The realistic and suspenseful situation the author has created shows the power of love and loudly shouts the truth of the Latin phrase "dum spiro, spero" ("While I breathe, I hope"). So don't let the first person POV of a hardened murderer make you wonder if you should read this story--your life will be better for reading it!!!!!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Emotional sequel to a historical family saga

The Book Dragon has finished Pamela Sharp's What Truly Matters and gives it five claws!

My review: What Truly Matters is the sequel to Sharp's excellent Because That's What Families Do. The first book covered about 20 years in the lives of cousins Beth Bradbourne and Sarah Lockridge (and their families), from the mid-forties to the mid-sixties in the 20th century. What Truly Matters picks up after the startling elopement at the end of book 1 and deals with the consequences of that spur-of-the-moment decision.

Though this installment is a bit shorter and covers less than a year in the life of these families, the reader is caught up in the unexpected drama happening to many of the family members, those who have become beloved "friends" as well as a few familiar characters and new faces who are fascinating antagonists. The tension is sustained throughout, and the background historical events are seamlessly woven into the narrative, grounding the time and place and showing how the turbulence of the 1960's had a widespread effect on cultural mores and race relations.

Yet what I love about this story is not merely the big picture but the intimate family portrait Sharp has expertly drawn with her wonderful characters. Best of all, even though the ending is very well done, she has left room for a third book, so here's hoping there is more to come! I can't get enough of these families!

Note: There is some language, but the worst terms are not spelled out.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A Timely, Practical, and Inspirational Book for All Americans

The Book Dragon has finished Dan Crenshaw's Fortitude: American Resilience in the Era of Outrage and gives it 5 claws!

My review: I don't read much nonfiction, but when I happened upon a video clip of the author calmly speaking to an emotional reactionary, I immediately thought, "I want to be like him." I looked him up and discovered this book, and boy am I GLAD I did! I can't recommend this book enough, especially during these times of over-the-top rage and lack of civility. Thanks, Dan Crenshaw, for writing such an accessible, practical, timely, and inspirational book!

Every section of this book touched and convicted me, causing me to realize that after years of self-reliance, a strong sense of duty, and a get-er-done attitude in leadership roles, I had come to see myself as a victim of circumstances and was wallowing in self-pity, believing my life and purpose were over. Crenshaw's no-nonsense approach to life, his humility in admitting his own mistakes, and his willingness to openly share his own journey of suffering and enlightenment were exactly what I needed to read to get my life back on track. I greatly appreciate his stoicism, rational thinking, and historical context which makes current events much easier to understand.

Note: There are a few f-bombs. Crenshaw was a Navy SEAL and draws heavily on those experiences (and most of the f-bombs are in related conversations during training).

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Powerful and compelling contemporary story

The Book Dragon has finished Three Last Things: or The Hounding of Carl Jarrold, Soulless Assassin, Corinna Turner's timeless and unusual story of suspense and persistence and gives it 5 stars!

My review: It's difficult to explain why this story affected me so much without giving away spoilers, but I'm going to try! This is unlike any story I've read before. It was far out of my comfort zone (taking place inside a prison) and yet I could NOT put it down. The realistic and suspenseful situation the author has created shows the power of love and loudly shouts the truth of the Latin phrase "dum spiro, spero" ("While I breathe, I hope). So don't let the first person POV of a hardened murderer make you wonder if you should read this story--your life will be better for reading it!!!!

Corinna Turner has become one of my favorite authors, and this story is just as compelling as her fantasy and dystopian books. You can find them listed at Catholic Teen Books.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Wonderful installment in my favorite fantasy series!

The Book Dragon has finished In the Double Agent's Service by Annie Douglass Lima and gives it five roaring claws!

My review: Having read all the previous books in this epic fantasy series, the Annals of Alasia, this sixth installment was worth waiting for! There are equal parts adventure, heroism, mystery, intrigue, revenge, romance, friendship, family, and humor in this story, and the pacing is superb! My favorite things about this series are the characters and world-building. The people are so real I want to meet them (well, most of them), and the kingdoms of Malorn and Alasia are so interesting, I want to visit them! The main characters, Erik (King Jaymin's bodyguard) and Anya, a seamstress, are the heart and soul of this book, and the fast-paced plot kept me guessing how things would turn out between them, as well as the fate of both kingdoms. I can't recommend this series highly enough to fantasy adventure fans of all ages!

Though this book can be read as a standalone, it will be even more meaningful if you read the rest of the series!

Whew, Joy's Sorrow is finally HERE!

I am relieved to announce that getting trapped in the Czech Republic at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic did not keep me from finishing this second installment in the Mercy's Children series! It's in Kindle format only for now, but I hope to release the paperback by the end of the month.

Great joy. Deep despair. Deeper dangers.

One thing would complete Duke Bennet d’Ardelane’s happiness: a child. Soon after his beloved wife, Princess Joy, tells him she’s expecting, disaster strikes.

First, an accident leaves the duke fighting for his life.

Then, sensing an opportunity, enemies of the king turn seeds of discontent into open rebellion. At the center of the discord, Ronan and Nelwina MacCallum will use any means necessary to seize the throne.

As the kingdom spirals into war, Bennet and Joy must overcome their personal sorrows and face the greater threats, or the friends, family, and people they love will die.

I've already changed the cover for the 3rd book, Valerian's Flight, because I realized my original cover wouldn't reflect the story. I'm anxious to share it with you, but I will take the time necessary to make it as exciting on paper as it is in my head!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A beautiful, enchanting story of a Russian Heroine

The Book Dragon has read Vasilisa by M. L. Farb and gives it five roaring stars!

My review: This is a rich, beautiful story that feels like historical fiction set in medieval Russia with strong flavors of old fairytale magic and romance. I was familiar with Vasilisa from an old Baba Yaga story, but Farb's Vasilisa is a living, breathing, heroic young woman with whom I immediately felt a strong empathy. She is an inspiring fictional heroine! The plot was full of surprises and SO difficult to put aside the book when it was time to do mundane things, like eat or sleep! I was fully immersed in this magical old Russia with the author's wonderful characters. The extras at the back were fun, too, including questions suitable for book clubs (hint, hint). I highly recommend this book!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Exciting installment in a dinosaur dystopian series!

The Book Dragon has finished Corinna Turner's Panic! (unSPARKed #3) and gives it 5 roaring claws!

My review: The unSPARKed series is vivid, exciting, and suspenseful! If you like dinosaurs (or were obsessed as a child like I was), you will LOVE it! This installment continues with nail-biting action, danger, sadness, new friends, and of course, dinosaurs. My only niggle with this series is that each book (technically novella) ends with a cliffhanger, which I normally hate, but I forgive this author because the story is SO good and she is such an excellent writer! She's created a future world that is totally believable with characters I have come to love and worry about! I can't wait for the next installment....Recommended for dino lovers of all ages! (Unless you have a young child with tender sensibilities, though nothing is graphic.)

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A clever, quirky guide to Prague

The Book Dragon has read Honest Guide Prague by Janek Rubeš & Honza Mikulka, and illustrated by Eliška Podzimková and gives it 4 claws!

My review: I've been following the Honest Guide YouTube videos for a long time now (since before my first trip to Prague in 2016) so when we returned to Prague for our third visit last month, I managed to purchase this book the day before the stores closed due to coronavirus. It's fun and quirky and artistically done! It definitely helps you think "out of the box" as far as looking for places to see and eat in Prague (which I hope to do next visit, since this one was very bad timing for exploring new places in Prague).