I missed blogging the last year and a half!! so I’m starting with my favorite books
from 2024. I have been rating the books I read since 1985; when I read 74 books!!
I rate them 1-5 stars. I loved this system because when you get in a slump and
can’t find anything interesting … you’ve got 5* authors on a list, you can see if
they’ve written a new book! I have to admit, I don’t rate 1 and 2 star books – I
usually just quit reading them! Didn’t used to – but sure do that now!
AND 2 years-ish ago I had to start to check out only LARGE PRINT books. There
are several drawbacks to be limited to only LP books. The spine labels do not
number the series. Usually, there is no list of books in order inside the LP. AND
you’re old!!! I know I can get many books electronically; but even
making the fonts larger, the lighting still does a number on my eyes. So I
struggle on. I’m thankful for our library’s network. I can easily request any LP
book from 7 Coastal Libraries. (for free!) What a system!! And they are delivered
right to my home library.
Today I want to start my list with my absolutely favorite authors. These authors
have garnered many 5* on their writing – even 6*!! I've read them and to be
honest, re-read them for years. I love starting at the beginning and reading them
in order and seeing the characters develop. Here in no apparent order -
John Sandford- Love his' Prey' series, first book is Rules of Prey.
Then his Virgil Flowers series. first book is Dark of the Moon
As a friend once said – 'I love me a good cowboy!'
Now, Davenport's adopted daughter, Netty, is grown up and is working for the
government. First book is The Investigator. I love her character, this series is
going to be G-R-E-A-T!
Nick Petrie is a new author to me. But once I found him, I read his series straight
through! – most of his books have 5*s. The series starts with The Drifter.
Thomas Perry has stand alone stories (Pro Bono) and his ‘one woman Indian
Protective service’ Jane Whitefield series. First book is Vanishing act. I do love
strong women characters and she is definitely one.
John Grisham is an oldie and goodie. His lawyer series are awesome, but he
also has many stand-alones. Our Bookclub is reading the third book of the
Camino Island series. (Our bookclub reads older books, not the new bestsellers – so we can find it and often request it at the library!!)
Carley Fortune is a ‘new’ romance novelist. I love a kick-butt woman and that’s
who she writes about. First book is: Every Summer After. There’s a new book
coming out soon-ish. I can’t wait.
J A Jance has 3 strong characters each with a long series;
Lawyer- JP Beaumont; first book Dismissed with Prejudice.
County Sheriff– Joanna Brady, first book Desert Heat
and Reporter– Ali Reynolds, First book Edge of Evil.
Sometimes the lawyer and sheriff work together! My favorite has to be Sheriff
Joanna Brady. But they are all good - read them in order for the full story.
Janet Evanovich – I know you know this author. I love, love, love Stephanie
Plum from Trenton NJ!! First book - One for the Money and the series keeps
going – last one I read was 31!!
Elyssa Friedland is another new author who consistently gets 5* from me. First
book is Love and Miss Communication
James Byrne writes about a ‘British’ Jack Reacher. I loved the series, a group of
us read each book and passed each book on between friends. The first book is
The Gatekeeper
Here are some of my new favorite books:
I picture it set in the Great NW! The story of two friends on their annual river trip
and what they run into.
Jane is an Australian writer and she can put you right there in the middle. She
has at least 6 books out, each one worth it. The first book is The Dry.
Jennifer Weiner: The Breakaway
I love Jennifer’s new style and characters. Bicycling Club in NYC!
JamesPonti: Let’s talk about Young Adult books. You know we all read Harry
Potter and got hooked. Ponti writes City Spies series. About children working as
spies for MI6. The covers are confusing – you’re not always sure you in the right
order – but oh, so worth it!
Elizabeth Berg never fails to hit the mark.
Pull of the Moon was about a 40-ish wife who just has to make a change – yep,
she runs away. Some of my friends weren’t as enthusiastic as I was, but make up
your own mind??
David James Brown: The Boys in the Boat
Our bookclub read this one, and the movie was on Apple TV. Our Bookclub trys
to watch the movie after discussion if there is one. I ended up loving the book,
again most of the story was based in the Great NW. I even made my DH watch
the movie, we both think it's great!
Here are some new (at least to me) romance authors. As I discovered them –
their ‘kick-butt women’ characters were never disappointing!
Check them out:
Sue Henderson; Katherine Center, Kate Spencer,
Sophie Cousens, Lucy Gilmore, Kat Martin,
Susan Mallery, Phaedra Patrick, Emily Henry,
Erica Boyce Kasey Michaels
Next post is going to talk about 2025 books and 2024 quilts! See you soon!!
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