Remarkable Reads for 2018, Part One

I began my first Goodreads challenge in 2013, a year and a half after I signed my first book contract. It always seems I get more done if I challenge myself, and I knew that in order to be a better writer, I needed to read more. The first year, I set my goal low – ten books – and I met it easily. The next year, I pushed myself to read 40 books, and when I managed to meet that goal I increased it to 50. That’s almost one book per week. My goal has been 50 books a year since 2015, and as busy as my days are, I don’t think I’ll raise that expectation any time soon. I often read while eating, when taking a break from writing or schoolwork, or just before I go to bed. Every now and then I’ll have time when waiting at the doctor’s office with my mom or my husband, and I’ll read on my phone. But there are so many great books out there my TBR list never seems to shrink.

January has been a great month for reading! Here’s what I’ve finished so far:

Love, Unmasked by Vivian Roycroft
This is a fascinating story in which Fidelity, a young lady in her seventh season, discovers that her attraction to the toast of the ton has not gone unnoticed. The dashing gentleman has also caught the attention of her two younger cousins and Fidelity is mortified to discover her preoccupation is well known to them. Fidelity makes the rash decision to leave the social scene and retire to the country as an official spinster – but before she leaves, she hopes to create some juicy memories to take with her. The story is told from both her point of view and that of her good friend John Greysteil, also known as Grey. I loved reading about Fidelity’s journey to self-discovery and look forward to reading more of Vivian Roycroft’s regencies.

Crash Course by E. A. West
I don’t usually read books about the high school scene, but I enjoy E. A. West’s writing, so when I heard about her recent release set in the world of motocross racing, I jumped at the opportunity to read it. Angie is a teenager who’s experienced more hardship than most adults see in a lifetime. Reading about the abuse she suffered made me fearful for the potential dangers my grandkids face each day. Angie’s sudden move from California to Virginia means that she’ll suddenly have rules and expectations, and she doesn’t trust the clean-cut kids in the youth group. Her fears and anxiety are well-portrayed, and I had no trouble reading this in a few days, because I didn’t want to put it down.

Lady Fallow’s Secrets by Suzanne G. Rogers
I’m a huge fan of Suzanne G. Rogers’ historical romances, and I usually order them as soon as they’re available. Her books always contain nail-biting drama and sigh-worthy romance, and this one certainly delivers. It’s quite a bit longer than most of her other romances, so I’m glad I put it in my reading queue at a time when I’m not as pressed for time. Euphemia has been promised in marriage to Lord Fallows, and her uncle is determined to see that the wedding takes place – even though she’s in love with someone else. The lengths that her uncle goes to can only be described as abuse, and my heart bled for her when her efforts to escape his clutches were thwarted.

Drive Me Crazy by Mysti Parker
Country girl Ellie goes to the Big Apple for her first job after graduating from college. Luke is a native New Yorker. Though they come from totally different backgrounds, they actually have a lot in common. They both take pride in their work, they are fiercely loyal to their friends, and they have both suffered, physically as well as emotionally. The attraction between them is immediate and powerful, but they have a lot to overcome before they can reach their happily-ever-after. I enjoyed reading about their journey, and recommend it highly. This is the first in a series, and I look forward to the next installment.

What are you reading?