Monday, December 30, 2013

My favorite reads of 2013, with *7* giveaways, ends Jan 3

Short stories/novellas category top picks for 2013

Snowed In by Carrie Pagels and Upon a Christmas Tree Schooner by Carla Gade in volume 1
The beautiful story of Angelina and Matthew, who must trust God when their lives don't make sense. God brings a better outcome than either of them could fathom.
This well-researched Civil War story gripped my heart, and is penned by a very talented writer. A real treasure
Fields of the Fatherless--The unforgettable story of a young lady who witnesses the beginning of the American Revolution in her own front yard.

Soldier's Heart--a Civil War veteran returns with PTSD in this well-depicted short historical.

Full Length Fiction picks for 2013

Meticulous research and a masterful command of the Civil War period, plus a moving story. A+ read

Gorgeous, literary, haunting, and deeply moving story of loss and redemption, of hatred and reconciliation, of the nature of evil and of sacred love. And set in Upstate New York!




Another stellar read, set in the War of 1812 near Baltimore. Intrigue, romance, and fine writing make this a must read.
A sweet debut and moving story of patience, trust and overcoming love.

Another very good story set in the colonial frontier.
Great author with a stellar cast of characters make this one of the best reads of the year.
Another talented debut author brings a speculative fiction story of angels, high stakes warfare, and a very contemporary lady stumbling into their world. Unexpectedly good romance and writing.
Spiritual warfare, pearls of wisdom, and a well paced story made this one of my favorites this year. 

As thanks to my faithful readers and followers, I am offering a few giveaways. One winner each.

Leave a comment (with your email addy) naming your favorite read of 2013, and I will enter you to win one of the following: 
gently used print copy of Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears
a gently used print copy of Whispers from the Shadows by Roseanna White
Beyond the Valley by Rita Gerlach, gently used copy
Everlasting Light by Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar, ecopy
Return to Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels, ecopy
e-copy of Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull
PLUS, Warrior of the Ages, a signed print copy provided by author Stephanie Karfelt
(thank you, Stephanie!)

If you have already read a specific title and do not wish to be entered for that one, let me know. :)

Wishing you all a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Blessings in the Lord,
Kathy


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53 comments:

  1. Library LadyDecember 30, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    I would love to win all those books for the church library. My favorite read of 2013 was not a fiction book. The book is, "Hiking Through" by Paul Stutzman.
    Happy 2014!
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:27 PM

      Good luck, Janet! I haven't heard of Hiking Through, but now I'l try to check it out. :D Thanks for coming by.

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  2. UnknownDecember 30, 2013 at 10:23 AM

    Your blog ROCKS, Kathleen! I use it to choose my next book. I have already read Bride for Keeps and Return to Shirley Plantation, but would love a chance at the others. Favorite? Not sure

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:28 PM

      Wow, Marianne, that is a high compliment. Thank you! So glad that I am reaching awesome readers like you. And I agree--I had too many faves this year to name just one. Good luck!

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  3. MaryLu TyndallDecember 30, 2013 at 10:26 AM

    Wow, thanks Kathleen, for including me on your list of favorites!!! That means so much. And what a great giveaway! ... God bless you in the New Year. :-)

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  4. LisDecember 30, 2013 at 10:53 AM

    So hard to pick just one, there were so many great ones! I especially enjoyed The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen and Forsaken Dreams by Marylu Tyndall. Great list!
    garfsgirl [at] hotmail [dot] com

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:31 PM

      Hi, Lis
      I have yet to read a Julie Klassen, but I have heard great things of her writing. Thanks for the recommendation. And good luck on the giveaways.

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  5. SonjaDecember 30, 2013 at 11:09 AM

    So hard to decide! I would choose Beyond the Valley. I haven't read any of these and would love to read any and all of them. Thanks for the chance!

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  6. Megan WilsonDecember 30, 2013 at 11:16 AM

    The Captive Maiden!! LOVED it!! :) Ninjaspy13(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:33 PM

      That is the only Melanie Dickerson novel I have yet to read--can't wait to get it one of these days. Thanks for coming by, Megan. Good luck!

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  7. Amy BatemanDecember 30, 2013 at 11:44 AM

    I discovered so many new (to me) authors and books this year, but I think my favorite new book was "Dreamspinner" by Lynn Kurland.

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:35 PM

      Hi, Amy
      Thanks for visiting and for sharing your favorite read for the year. Good luck on the giveaway!

      Delete
  8. Cindy RegnierDecember 30, 2013 at 12:42 PM

    I can't pick a favorite but one book I really enjoyed was Return to Me by Lynn Austin. From your list I read Forsaken Dreams and really loved it. Can't wait to get a copy of A Bride for Keeps. i hear Melissa Jaeggers is a great author!
    cregnier@twinvalley.net

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:38 PM

      Hi, Cindy--so nice to have you come by. I have heard for years how great Lynn Austin is, and I have yet to read her work. I need to get busy. :) Melissa's debut was amazing. Good luck on the giveaway

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  9. Wilani WahlDecember 30, 2013 at 12:44 PM

    Among my favorite reads were A Bride for keeps by Melissa Jaggears, Wilderness Peril by Elizabeth Goddard, Icecutters Daughter by Tracie Peterson,

    wwchildren at gmail dot com

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:39 PM

      Icecutters Daughter sounds awesome, Wilani. Thanks for sharing and for coming by. Good luck!

      Delete
  10. UnknownDecember 30, 2013 at 12:49 PM

    My favorite was Short Straw Bride, but I read many good books this year!!
    Tonja S.

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:40 PM

      Hi, Tonja
      I missed Karen's book this year, but I have no doubt it was as good as all her others. Good luck on the giveaways

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  11. Tamera Lynn KraftDecember 30, 2013 at 1:48 PM

    Great list, Kathleen. I'm honored to be on it.

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:41 PM

      You earned it, Tamera! Thanks for letting me read your awesome novella.

      Delete
  12. Faithful Acres Books ~ Linda Marie FinnDecember 30, 2013 at 2:24 PM

    My Favorite Read was Return to Shirley Plantation ! Your pics are my favorite books, although I see several I have not read here.
    I would love to win " A Bride for Keeps ! "
    Linda Finn
    Faithful Acres Books
    faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:43 PM

      This is a great group, but I have a feeling I missed some good ones. Bride for Keeps was a nice one--good luck!

      Delete
  13. KayMDecember 30, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    Hi Kathy, I enjoyed checking out your favorites. I have/have read 5 of them. I'm looking forward to reading the ones I haven't read yet. Please don't enter me in your contest, as I am trying to catch up reading the ones I already have--LOL! I read some really good books in 2013. One I especially enjoyed was yours--Bachelor Buttons. Blessings...

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:44 PM

      Kay, that is soooo sweet of you! thank you <3 And thanks for coming by, too. Good luck on reading time in 2014.

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  14. PattyDecember 30, 2013 at 2:56 PM

    I think my favorite, which was also one of yours, was Burning Sky. What a great debut novel!

    I've already read A Bride for Keeps, and A Return to Shirley Plantation.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:46 PM

      Patty, it was stellar, wasn't it? So many great debuts this year. Good luck on the contest.

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  15. Susan PDecember 30, 2013 at 3:11 PM

    I have quite a few favorites from this year! MaryLu's Elusive Hope and Roseana's Whispers from the Shadows were two top favorites. I have almost all the others you listed as my top ten also. :) Great choices!
    The only two I don't have, from your list of giveaways, are Byond the Valley and Bride for Keeps.
    lattebooks at hotmail dot com

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:46 PM

      Oh, those two are really good, Susan. I'll enter you for those. Good luck!

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  16. Melanie BackusDecember 30, 2013 at 5:09 PM

    Oh my, this is a hard one! I have had several favorites this year. When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell is a wonderfully written book. Powerful! Thank you for the great giveaway. Happy New Year!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:48 PM

      ooh, Melanie--that sounds good. I need to be on the lookout for that one. Have a wonderful New Year's Eve celebration, and best of luck!

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  17. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:30 PM

    Thank you for writing such awesome books, MaryLu. You were a blessing in the last several years as I have enjoyed your stories. I look forward to your work in the coming year. Bless you, too!

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  18. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 5:32 PM

    Hi Sonja, thanks for coming by here. They're all so good, I know you'll enjoy any one of them. Good luck on the giveaways.

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  19. Carrie Fancett PagelsDecember 30, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    God bless you for including me on this list (wow, not even once but twice, hallelujah!!!) Thanks for putting me is such great company, Kathy!!! I have a number of fave stories myself, and one of them, for my list on OWG blog will be, drumroll please, Bachelor Buttons, by a lovely woman that you know very well. She's very talented and has a lyrical voice that I LOVE!!! HUGS!!!

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 6:02 PM

      You earned your spot, Carrie. Can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for your writing. Keep up the good work.

      Delete
  20. S.R. KarfeltDecember 30, 2013 at 6:29 PM

    Wow, Kathleen - I'm thrilled and flattered to make this list! Thank you so much. It means so much coming from you.

    My favorite read this year is The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls - highly recommend it. It's a true story, which only makes it more amazing. I think it's going to be a movie too!

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 30, 2013 at 6:50 PM

      That sounds excellent. And you have written a fabulous story, Steph. Be proud!

      Hey everybody--Stephanie is offering to give a copy of her book to add to the giveaway. You'll love it!

      Delete
  21. kam110476December 30, 2013 at 9:54 PM

    Hi Kathleen! A lot of your favorite are all in my TBR carousel, so it's nice to know I've chosen books that are much loved. I've read 77 books this year so it's hard to choose just one so honestly the whole series The Gifted by Lisa T Bergren (The Begotten, The Betrayed, & The Blessed). Lisa's River of Time series is wonderful as well - it's in my top 10!! Sorry I couldn't name just 1! (Don't enter me for Andrea Boeshaar's novella-I already have it.) I hope you have a beautiful new year!
    Kristen
    kam110476@gmail.com

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 31, 2013 at 8:31 PM

      Kristin, wow--you are very well read. I'm not such a fast reader, but I sure admire that. Wishing you good luck and a wonderful New Year as well!

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  22. UnknownDecember 30, 2013 at 11:32 PM

    Kathleen
    I really enjoyed Bachelor Buttons,and Return to Shirley Plantation this year
    God bless you
    Chris Granville
    granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

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  23. AnonymousDecember 31, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  24. AnonymousDecember 31, 2013 at 8:38 AM

    I think my favorite book that I've read for 2013 was Shattered Lilly by TL Grey. She's an author I just discovered by the end of this year and fell in love with her books. It was so unique and different. I also loved a book series called Chop Chop. I haven't finished reading the whole series, but I will eventually.
    hisprincessdaughter (at) gmail (dot) com
    PS: I already have Forsaken Dreams by Marylu on my Kindle. I forgot I had it, now I got to finish read it. She's an amazing writer.

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 31, 2013 at 8:34 PM

      Those are new books to me, Angelica. I need to check those out. Thanks for the suggestions. Good luck on the giveaways!

      Delete
  25. AnonymousDecember 31, 2013 at 10:15 AM

    There were so many good books this year. I think one of the favorites that stood out for me was Day Break by Shelly Shepard Gray. I love Amish fiction and this book was a great start to her new series.

    Katie J.
    johnsonk133{at}yahoo{dot}com

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 31, 2013 at 8:36 PM

      I've heard Shelley Shepard Gray is very good. Good luck, Katie

      Delete
  26. Karen LangeDecember 31, 2013 at 5:37 PM

    One of my favorite reads this year was The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen. I also enjoyed both of Jody Hedlund's releases.

    Thanks for sharing your favorites, and for the giveaway as well.

    Happy New Year!
    Blessings,
    Karen
    klange61AThotmailDOTcom

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    1. Kathleen L. MaherDecember 31, 2013 at 8:40 PM

      Thank you, Karen! I need to read me some Julie Klassen, dadgumit. :) Thanks for visiting and sharing your faves. Good luck!

      Delete
  27. Jasmine A.January 1, 2014 at 6:05 PM

    Choosing just one favorite is completely impossible for me! But one of my absolute favorites was Elusive Hope by MaryLu Tyndall.

    Lovely list of books titles possible in your giveaway! A couple of them are even on my wishlist.

    Happy New Year!
    Jasmine A.
    montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. UnknownJanuary 1, 2014 at 10:14 PM

      Hey, Jasmine--now you make me want Elusive hope even more than I do! :D Wishing you good luck on the contest and many blessings in the year ahead.

      Delete
  28. UnknownJanuary 1, 2014 at 7:44 PM

    My favorite book from 2013 was Under a Blackberry Moon by Serena B. Miller. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
    Martha
    josieringer(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. UnknownJanuary 1, 2014 at 10:15 PM

      Martha, thanks for coming by. I have heard great things about Serena Miller's writing, and this confirms it. Best of luck on the giveaways!

      Delete
  29. bontonJanuary 2, 2014 at 6:41 PM

    Thanks, Kathleen, for this wonderful list, and the opportunity to win one of the books! I already have "Return to Shirley Plantation", and would love to win any of the other 6!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. Kathleen L. MaherJanuary 4, 2014 at 1:08 PM

    I AM SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS! Thank you everyone who entered. I will be contacting you via email to find out your shipping information. And the winners are: Janet, Megan Wilson, Wilani Wahl, Linda Finn, Patty, Martha Sturm, and Bonnie! Congratulations, winners. And May the Lord bless you all richly in 2014.

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