The Best of 2017 – Heather’s List
This has been a tough reading year for me, as it has been for many of you. I wanted to escape the news cycle, but I was unable to focus my attention on my favorite stories. The one book I read from cover to cover that perfectly matched my state of mind was Dancing in the Rain by Kelly Jamieson. It’s poignant from beginning to end as it documents the loss and reassembly of family.
When has-been hockey star Drew learns that he is a father to a little girl, the product of a one-night stand in college, his emotions are all over the map. Complicating his feelings further is the fact that her mom Sarah is dying of cancer and wants him to meet her. When they eventually meet, it’s not love at first sight. But there’s something there, and Drew wants to get to know his new pre-teen daughter. When Sarah’s sister Payton arrives to help provide hospice care for Sarah, Drew is drawn further into their family.
This story is packed with emotion, oftentimes difficult emotion. I think I read the entire book with a lump in my throat. It’s real, honest emotion though, not contrived and sappy fluff just to manipulate the reader. I adored this story of a tiny family that comes together to support one another, proving that sometimes it’s the family we choose that has the most impact.
Buy Now: A/BN/iB/K
Other favorites this year include:
Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine, a psychological thriller that takes a favorite trope (heroine in peril) and delivers delicious tension. Gwen Proctor emerges from the ashes of her marriage to a serial killer stronger than ever and ready to protect her kids at any cost. Their itinerant life lands them at Stillhouse Lake, and Gwen finally believes she can release the breath she’s been holding. But then the letters begin to arrive from the state penitentiary and Gwen must decide whether or not to hold her ground as the threat looms closer. The remote location and a few well-placed bodies up the creepiness factor exponentially. This is the first book of a trilogy, so don’t expect complete closure at the end.
Buy Now: A/BN/iB/K
I also adored Hate to Want You by Alisha Rai, who does complicated family relationships like no other. The yearning and pain between Livvy and Nicholas is palpable, the electric current between them crackling off the page. Throw in a vivid cast of secondary characters with a bit of a family saga and this is basically my catnip. Keep your eyes peeled for subsequent novels starring other characters.
Buy Now: A/BN/iB/K
Also in the running for favorite book(s) is the new series by Loreth Anne White, starring Detective Angie Pallorino, who kicks ass and takes names in The Drowned Girls. She’s a detective working sex crimes. When the bodies of young women who’ve been genitally mutilated begin to turn up, she’s paired with the new lead detective in Homicide with whom she unwittingly shared a torrid evening. Angie has a spine of steel though and will put her new partner through the paces, all while battling demons of her own. Read it for the damn good crime story, but also read it for the multilayered main characters. More books and adventures are planned.
Buy Now: Amazon
I’d be remiss not to note how much I loved N. K. Jemison’s Broken Earth trilogy, which concluded with The Stone Sky. When The Fifth Season debuted, it delivered a gut punch, followed by Book 2, The Obelisk Gate, and finally a TKO with The Stone Sky. It’s not a romance, but it’s poignant, emotional, and meaningful in the best way.
The Fifth Season: A/BN/iB/K | The Obelisk Gate: A/BN/iB/K | The Stone Sky: A/BN/iB/K
And finally, if you haven’t had the opportunity to read or listen (the narration is phenomenal) to The Hate U Give, please go forth and do so now. A.C. Thomas has created a novel for the ages, one that comes along only once every few decades. It will twist you inside out, so have tissues ready.
Buy Now: A/BN/iB/K
I purchased the N.K. Jemison Broken Earth trilogy after she won the Hugo but I’ve yet to start it. I thought about trying it as a buddy read with my son – but I wasn’t sure about how ‘adult’ it is. What do you think?
He’s a very bright 11.
Em, I don’t have kiddos but I’d probably hold off on doing the buddy read with your son for a few years. The themes are very adult and he may be disturbed by some of the imagery. It’s a superb series, but geared for adults and I was pretty emotionally affected by it at times. For example, it begins with the heroine finding the dead body of her son, knowing her husband had been the one to beat him to death. It’s such a worthwhile read, but difficult at times.
roger that. thanks!
I’ve been wanting to read The Drowned Girls and this was a good reminder!
It’s so good! At times, uncomfortable but so well done!
I also listened to THUG on audio and the narration was fantastic. I’m glad I did it that way.
Yes, absolutely! Star sounds young and vulnerable and so real. Should I start buying Kleenex now for the film? Probably.
You’ve totally sold me on Dancing in the Rain by Kelly Jamieson. Our family is taking turns reading The Hate U Give. Such a phenomenal book.
The Hate You Give is nothing short of extraordinary. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Bahni Turpin, is pitch perfect too.
Let me know what you think of Dancing in the Rain. It’s such a sweet, quiet book that packs an emotional punch. I really felt for the preteen daughter losing her mom to cancer because that was me with my dad at 15. Kelly Jamieson captures so many of the emotions of that time.
I really need to read Loreth Anne White. I love RS and a lot of people seem to love her.
I definitely want to read Dancing in the Rain too. Soo many books, so little time.
Maggie, I feel your pain. Our tastes are similar, so I really think you’ll like both books.
Interesting list. Loreth Anne White is one of my new faves for romantic suspense. She’s an excellent writer.
Yes! I’m knocked out by her plotting and characterization. She blends tight suspense and romance with characters who are multi-dimensional.