Fresh from the Bookshelf: My New Release Book List for 2017

Books. They are my friends. I (like you) have those authors that I consider "friends" because they write such heartwarming stories to give me warm fuzzies, or take me on adventures, or through an emotional whirlwind. There were some INCREDIBLE books released in 2016, and I'm still trying to hurry myself through finishing the reviews for them. But you know what? That doesn't stop me from looking eagerly ahead to what 2017 is going to bring! So here is what is on my New Book List for 2017!

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There are SOOO many books I could add to this list, but I had to limit it, so I am focused on the genres that I am most interested in and then the books that are in my radar--most are being released in the first half of the year, so I might need to do another post like this, once the release dates for the second half of the year are released!

Christian Fiction

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander Release date January 31 Book #3 in the Belmont Mansion series
EVERY book by Tamera Alexander is my favorite, so I know this won't be any different. If you aren't familiar with the Belmont Mansion series (based on a REAL mansion), you need to go to the library and get started with book #1 A Lasting Impression. This book is actually showing up as the #1 most anticipated book in Christian fiction for 2017 on every list on Goodreads. That really should show you how much people love Tamera Alexander books.
Never Forget by Jody Hedlund Release date January 4th Book #5 in the Beacons of Hope series
Jody Hedlund's Beacons of Hope series takes place near historic lighthouses. They are ALL wonderful stories that just suck you in. I look forward to reading this next one in her series.

To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden Release date February 28
Oh how I am eager to get this one. I even pre-ordered it to make sure I don't miss out. Elizabeth Camden is probably my #1 favorite author in this genre. She is BRILLIANT in her writing and every book has received my rare 5 star rating. I don't expect this one to be any different.
Treasured Grace by Tracie Peterson Release date February 28 Book #1 of the Heart of the Frontier series
Beloved best selling author Tracie Peterson is beginning a NEW series with Treasured Grace! Historical fiction (of course), this book will be set on the 1840's frontier! 

For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund Release date March 7 Book #3 of An Uncertain Choice
Yes, it's another Jody Hedlund book for 2017! I reviewed book #2 of the An Uncertain Choice series and I enjoyed it. I look forward to this one as well. This series takes place during the Medieval era of knights, castles and ladies! This book crosses over into Young Adult fiction, but I'm putting it here because most consider it generic Christian Fiction.
Grace and the Preacher by Kim Vogel Sawyer Release date March 21
Kim Vogel Sawyer is no newbie to inspirational fiction as she has TONS of books under her belt. This latest book takes place in 1882 and features a postmistress named Grace who has been exchanging letters with a preacher--soon to be arriving in the town. She has developed an affection for him, and looks forward to his arrival--but he may not be all what he seems to be.

Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano Release date April 4 Book #1 in the Apart from the Crowd series
I just finished the prequel to this series At Your Request (FREE FOR KINDLE!) and LOVVVEEEEEEDDDDD it. Needless to say I am VERY VERY eager to get my hands on Behind the Scenes! Jen Turano is one of my three favorite comedic inspirational historical fiction authors. I laugh out loud at EVERY one of her books! With the lead character a "wallflower" of New York High Society, named Permilia Griswold (!!!), the secret writer behind a tell-all newspaper column The Quill, it just screams READ ME!
Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette Release date May 2 Book #3 in the Out from Egypt Series
As you should know by now, I have already reviewed book #1 and #2 in the series and they earned HIGH ratings. Connilyn JUST started writing and releasing last year, so the fact she's already got her third book coming out this month--AND that she's rapidly rising as a best selling author in this genre, you MUST add this series to your reading list if you are an inspirational fiction fan!

The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron Release date March 2017
This is a new to me author that I keep hearing about on my book groups. I was one of the ones who voted on her cover for this book (the one I voted for got used!), and it grabbed me when all I knew about it was the title and the cover! But set in the Vaudeville Jazz age and about Harry Houdini's one time apprentice, it just calls to me! I can't wait to get my hands on it! I really need to go back and read her best selling The Ringmaster's Wife too.
Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer Released date June 6 Book #2 of Ladies of Harper Station
Karen Witemeyer is on my must read list because like Elizabeth Camden, every one of her books ends up with a 5 star rating...because I'm always laughing my butt off! She has such a way with words and bringing to life her characters, that I expect this book to be no different. Did I mention it's the next book in the series Ladies of Harper Station? I read and reviewed book 1 No Other Will Do and LOVED it. So I have high expectations for this second book!

Because You're Mine by Colleen Coble Release date January 10
Colleen Coble is one of the ONLY contemporary authors that I love. Her books are never just about romance--but she brings intrigue and mystery in too. I've been on the edge of my seat with several of her books. She even writes excellent thrillers! The cover screams "read me" and I have it on my list!
Long Time Gone by Mary Connealy Release date February 28 Book #2 in the Cimarron Legacy series
I read both the prequel The Boden Birthright (FREE FOR KINDLE) and book #1 No Way Up in the Cimarron Legacy series (I actually owe a review on them! Gulp!) and fell in love yet again with old American west historical fiction writer Mary Connealy. She's got books about cowboys and settlers down to an art and though she's got many series under her belt, she never fails to give a buckin' new adventure! I am eager to see how the story continues in this next book.

True to You by Becky Wade Release date May 2 Book #1 of the Bradford Sisters series
Can I just say that I fell in love with the cover of this book? I have only read maybe 1 of Becky Wade's other books, but JUST THE COVER ALONE would entice me to pick this one up. Isn't her dress and shoes just darling? The book summary sounds delightful too.
If I'm Found by Teri Blackstock Release date March 21 Book #2 of the If I Run series
Okay. I have heard nothing but GREAT things about the Christian mystery/thriller USA Bestseller If I Run, so I suppose I have to grab a copy to read. And everyone who loves If I Run, is eager to get their hands on the next installment of the series If I'm Found. It's a continuation of where If I Run left off...the best kind of series are the "to be continued" kind! If you like contemporary mystery/thrillers, you might want to add this series to your list to read for 2017!
I could add a bazillion more...actually just look at THIS LIST ON GOODREADS and you can get an idea of what I am wishing for...

YA Fiction

Cavern of Secrets by Linda Sue Park Release date March 7 Book #2 in the Wing and Claw series
This is a new-to-me series, but it has all the elements that I enjoy. I look forward to catching this next book in the series. I need to go back and read the first book in the series Forest of Wonders again.
The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan Release date May 2 Book #2 in The Trials of Apollo series
Okay. I will be honest. I STILL haven't read the first book in The Trials of Apollo series, but I LOVE all of Rick Riordan's books and KNOW I will want to read this next book, after I read the first one of course.

Masterminds: Payback by Gordon Korman Release date March 7 Book #3 in the Masterminds series
I first discovered Gordon Korman as an author when reading the extensive 39 Clues series and really loved his thrilling style. I look forward to checking out this next book in his Masterminds series.
The Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan Release date October 2017 Book #3 in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series
Of COURSE I'm excited about this next installment of the Magnus Chase series. I LOVE all of these mythology based series and since I am not too familiar with the Norse mythology, I am really enjoying experiencing it through the eyes of Rick Riordan. While I haven't even read Book #2 yet in this series (I am next in line at the library!), I still have book #3 on my book basket list!
In Over Their Heads by Margaret Peterson Haddix Release date April 11 Book #2 in the Under Their Skin series
Margaret Peterson Haddix wrote a FABULOUS series The Missing. It was full of time travel, mystery, history--simply lovely! I kept requesting them at the library until they owned them all! In Over Their Heads is book #2 in a new series for young adults. In Under Their Skin, twins Nick and Eryn successfully met their new stepsiblings, Ava and Jackson. But in doing so, the twins found themselves on a mission to discover how to prevent humanity from facing certain doom. Now, their two families are joined together to save not only themselves, but everyone—human and robotic. Can they figure out how before it’s too late? 

Unraveling by Sara Ella Release date July 11th Book #2 of the Unblemished series
Unblemished blew me away. Like seriously. One of THE best YA fiction fantasy books I have EVER read. It had me from the start and didn't let go--twists and turns the whole way...and NATURALLY ended with a "to be continued". Needless to say I have Unraveling on my short list of MUST READS for 2017. If you haven't feasted on Unblemished yet, you MUST go out there and find it before book #2 comes out!

General Fiction

Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton Release date May 23
Woot! Michael Crichton, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Jurassic Park, returns to the world of paleontology in this recently discovered novel—a thrilling adventure set in the Wild West during the golden age of fossil hunting. Set during 1876, it touches on the real life rivalry between paleontologists Cope and Marsh. I LOVED reading Jurassic Park, so I'm hoping for another wild ride!
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This is by no means an exhaustive list of the books I plan on finding for this year, but it's a GREAT start to show what I've got my eyeball on. Do any of these look appealing to you? You can always keep up with what I'm reading by following me on Goodreads.