What is it about a book that sucks me in? “I have a few minutes,” I think to myself. “Surely I can read just one chapter, then I’ll get back to _____” (fill in the blank of the millions of things that need to get done). No. Nope. Not even. It does NOT work that way. Ever. I’m lost the minute I think that. The minute I sit down. The minute I pick up the book or open the Kindle app on my phone. I’m helpless to pull myself out of the story. I’m useless to my family around me. I’m hopeless in going to bed on time. The only good thing about this- truly… is that I’ve found some pretty good stories, some fantastic authors, and I’m going to share them with you! Then I won’t feel as bad about being helpless, useless, and hopeless because I know someone will join me in my perfectly beautiful misery. Will you thank me or curse me? Maybe a little of both? These authors are worth it!

I must start with a disclaimer: When I read fiction I don’t do scary, I don’t do sad, and I don’t do smut. I like a book with a happy ending that leaves me feeling content when I’m done that isn’t littered with trash the whole way through. I want to be able to fall asleep quickly, since it’s probably 2AM and I need at least a little sleep before a new day starts. And I can’t do that if I’m left feeling terrified, sad or distressed. 

Authors You Need in Your Life:

1. Breeana Puttroff- Ever heard of the Dusk Gate Chronicles? The whole series is a must! Eight books, plus a smaller novella that fits in with the storyline, PLUS the first book written from the perspective of another character. The first book is called Seeds of Discovery. You can download it for free on Kindle here right now! You’ll thank me, I promise!
2. Brooke St. James- Brooke is a Christian author, but her books are not focused on religion- for me, it just lets me know they are going to be clean! I’ve read a bunch of her books, but I’d probably start with the Hunt Family series, if I had to pick one.  Meet Me in Myrtle Beach is the first book in a five book series. They are quick reads, but always leave me smiling! You can buy it on Kindle here. All of her books are $.99. 
3. Marcia Lynn McClure- You may be living under a rock if you’re an avid reader and you haven’t heard of her…  She’s been around awhile and has more books than I can count. I don’t even know where to start! She writes historical fiction, old west stories (that I wasn’t sure about before I read them, but now I LOVE them!), modern day stuff, etc. She’s got something for everyone. And they are all great. I’d start with The Visions of Ransom Lake, which you can get on Kindle here for $2.99 right now.  Or I’d go with Kissing Cousins, which is also $2.99 on Kindle here. Or maybe A Crimson Frost, which you can get here, also for $2.99.  Her books fluctuate in price, so you should keep watch! Sometimes you can get crazy good deals if you’re paying attention! And honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them! Try the old west stories- I promise they are SO good!
4. Sarah Eden- She may be the Queen of Regency Romance, in my opinion. Good storylines, great characters. I haven’t read one of her books that I didn’t love. I might start with Seeking Persephone– it didn’t come out first, but really is the jumping off point for lots of her other books. Her books also fluctuate in price- I bought this one when it was listed as $2.99, but right now it is $10.99 for Kindle here.  However, some of her others are currently much cheaper! Keep watch if you start in and love her books! 
5. Cindy Roland Anderson- She’s another Christian author, but her books are not full of religion. She’s got fun storylines that are easy to read. I’d start with Fair Catch– it was one of her first and it’s a good one! It is $3.99 on Kindle here. 
6. Rachel Higginson- I have recommended Rachel’s Star-Crossed Series to so many people and they are immediately hooked! It started as a four book series and then she continued writing in other character’s perspectives for another five books. You’ll binge read the series once you’ve read the first, I promise. The first book is Reckless Magic– you can find it here on Kindle for $3.99.  She’s another one to keep watch on the prices- I’m pretty sure I picked up the first book for free.  She has other books out, but I’ve never read them. Read reviews before you jump in!
7. Shannon Guymon- Shannon has a ton of books out, but the ones I want to recommend are the Love and Dessert Trilogy. They follow the lives of three sisters who live in Western Washington (which may be one of the reasons I love them- can’t get enough of my home!) and inherit their grandmother’s bakery. The first book is called You Belong With Me and is on Kindle for $3.99 here.  There are other books after these three that follow lesser characters, but I’d definitely start here!

If you don’t have a Kindle or the app, check your local library! I really believe the library is such an underutilized resource! If you’ve got the barcode from your library card, get online and just place the books on hold and you’ll get an email when they are ready. Or download the Overdrive app and borrow them online! Read all about it in Selma’s post here. 

OK, I think these authors should give you a good start if you’re looking for something new. I’ve got lots more, but wouldn’t want you to lose too much sleep over even more good reads! We’ll save the next round of can’t miss authors for another time!  And if you have book suggestions for me, let me know- I’m always looking for something new to delve into!