Welcome to day four! I happen to have a really beautiful “barn” on our property that we use for special events, my brother was married in it, we host monthly worship nights, it’s just a really fun, beautiful area with places to sit, a gorgeous porch and we even just recently added the softest rug you’ve ever sunk your feet into. Today’s theme is actually barns, so I would love to invite you into ours to put up your feet on the couch, maybe even sit on the new rug (that’s where I am going to be) and join me in a fun chat about five of my favorite contemporary published books.
This post is about books that fit into the contemporary genre. There is just something special about books that are set in our current time. There always will be a heightened sense of relatability that you won’t get in a historical fiction or fantasy, and I think that is what sets this genre apart. The tool for an even greater impact is something that should not be taken lightly. Well, without further ado, let’s get into my list.
Life After by Katie Ganshert
This book. Wow. This author has really inspired me in many ways and this moving story of a woman trying to live a life after an incredible traumatic event of which she is the only survivor can create a very powerful story of guilt, shame, and grief, but also of forgiveness, love, and the importance of memories, but also of moving on. Katie Ganshert is an incredible author and the way that she draws you right into the emotions of the characters had me crying, and just reveling in the ‘awwww’ moments throughout the story. If you love contemporary stories, you will love to read this one.
If I Run by Terri Blackstock
If you are a fan of modern suspense, this is the book for you! I have read many books in this genre and this has to be one of the most unique and creative, but also the most cliffhanger story I have read in a long time. I have a hard time getting into books sometimes, so when I use the phrase “couldn’t put it down” I don’t use it lightly. The story of a girl who has to literally run for her life, or lose everything, a corrupt police department and more will have you on the edge of your seat.
To Get To You by Joanne Bischof
Hold on to your emotions folks because this book is going to take your heart and yo-yo it around on a string. A young boy embarks on a journey with his estranged father (talk about emotions) to get to the girl that he loves as her family is stuck in a town away from home with a father whose health has him in a hospital. The feels. I just can’t even. Joanne Bischof is a master at using the human emotion to convey a story and make it relatable to the reader. I have had the privilege to read others of her books as well and she never disappoints.
October by J. Grace Pennington
You can check out my original review here. But this book had me in tears, but also opened up my eyes to a very real problem. It felt so raw and real and I related to it very much because I felt the same way reading it that I did while writing Bound. They have very similar missions and I couldn’t help but grip my heart and read with smiles and tears.
Thin Ice by Irene Hannon
I remember this as being one of my favorite Irene Hannon books. It was just so unique in the storyline and the suspense has me from page one. If you like romantic suspense, then you will love this book!
Here is the link for the party giveaway! And here is Rebekah’s post for the day.
There you have it! Five of my favorite contemporary reads! What are some of yours? I would love to hear in the comments below!
By God’s Grace,
Victoria
Everyone needs to read ‘Life After’-it’s such a powerful story!
Well, I’ve seen all those on Goodreads, but never have read any of them!! :p
I really want to read To Get To You!
-Brooklyne
I want to read “To Get To You” as I’ve heard about it before but never read it. And I think I need to look into “Thin Ice” and “Life After.” So many books to read!
Thanks for sharing these, Victoria!
*adds all these books to my TBR pile*
Also, I cannot find the link to your newsletter in the sidebar! Could you please send it to me? (or post it here?) 😛
I haven’t read any of these, but I want to. I’m adding them to my TBR pile. 😉
I actually just finished reading the If I Run series by Terri Blackstock! I loved them. Have you read any of her other books?
I’ve also read Thin Ice by Irene Hannon.
I haven’t read the other books you mentioned.
That Irene Hannon book looks interesting. You and Sarah Grace always review Christian suspense novels, and then I add them to my TBR, but I don’t think I’ve actually read any yet. 😛 I do think my library has a lot, though.
CutePolarBear
Oh my word, I haven’t read any of these. I don’t think I can handle a Joanna B book though because my heart is so weak. xD
I was going to say I haven’t read much contemporary… but actually I have. Amanda Tero’s newest release (“Finding Christmas Joy”) is a great contemporary story. 🙂
Oooh! Life After, and If I Run sounds super neat!
I absolutely ADORE To Get to You! <3 I actually picked up If You Run from the library recently…hoping to start it tonight! 🙂
Thank You Victoria for the list of these interesting books.
Marilyn
*drags the books to my tbr pile, which is the size of a mountain* Thanks for the recommendations!
I really like “To Get to You”!!
Great recommendations, Victoria! Most of the contemporary stories I know of were ones I read when I was a young child or in my teens: One third of them being horse related, one third mystery related, and one third being some form of contemporary fantasy/scifi. I loved them, but I definitely new ones I can read now! One of those older contemporary series I would have to recommend would be the Red Rock Mysteries by Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry. I read and still own all 15 books and adored them. A reread may need to happen some time in the not too distant future. 🙂