3 Books to Get Excited About in 2017

I have a lot of friends who get squirmy at movie previews, itching to see what’s coming up in the world of cinema. Maybe the next Star Wars installment, super hero saga, or Oscar-worthy epic. Me? I get giddy over news of new book releases! And I’m super thrilled to share my own debut novel release with releases from some of my favorite authors.

Here are three books coming out this year that I am super excited about.

Count Me In (Emerald City Romance #1) by Mikal Dawn

Releasing May 2017
MikalDawn.com
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Allegra Spencer has been living a careful life. Her safe job as an accountant is book-ended by going to church and the gym. Okay, sometimes the gym.

Fine. She goes to church. And the coffee shop.

She avoids risk at all cost, preferring to stay safe in her cozy condo. Until her accounting firm goes belly up and she’s suddenly out of a job.

Tyler Hawk had a glorious career as a star NFL Tight End. He retired on a high note and is now living a second dream of owning his own business leading others on extreme outdoor adventures. But he needs help with his books–and his heart.

When Allegra takes the job, sparks–and water–fly. Will Allegra be able to show Tyler he’s worth so much more than his star-status while being open to the most thrilling adventure of all…love?

This book and author are extra super special to me. Mikal is one of a few ladies who made up my original critique group. We’ve written our first books together, side by side. She’ll be releasing this romantic comedy novel the SAME MONTH as I’ll be releasing Someplace Familiar. God is so good. Of course, I’d support Mikal publishing her version of the phonebook. But trust me, Count Me In is sweet, funny, feel-good, and even a little surprising.

Just The Way You Are (Pleasant Gap Romance #1) by Pepper Basham

Releasing April 2017
PepperDBasham.com
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Single mom, Eisley Barrett, prefers to keep romance safely housed within a centuries-old mystery, but when she travels to England to unearth the secret, an actor with a sordid past offers her reluctant heart a very different type of discovery.

Wes Harrison has a past he’s ashamed to confess. Suspicious and cyncial, he’s managed to avoid romantic entanglements since a tragedy upended his career and life, that is until American Eisley Barrett comes along. Her authenticity and kindness upend his bitter assumptions and send his heart into unscripted territory.

When his past threatens to ruin a second chance at love, can some Appalachian matchmaking and letters from the grave salvage their unexpected romance?

Are you really surprised that I’d include an Appalachian story on the list? Pepper has fast become one of my go-to authors when I need my fix of Blue Ridge fiction. Having found success in both historical and contemporary romance novels, what could make one of Pepper’s books any better? Mix both the Appalachian and British cultures! Pepper calls this story a “Britallachian” flavor, combining two favorite settings into one book. It’s already received a coveted Romantic Times 4 1/2 Star, Top-Pick rating. Swoon! I can’t wait.

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright

Releasing December 2017
JaimeJoWright.com
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Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather’s Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house’s dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.

A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy’s search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives–
including her own–are lost?

It’s true that we authors have a flare for the dramatic. I admit that. However, please do not doubt how genuine I am when I say that I believe this will be THE book of 2017. I just have a hunch. I’ve always loved split-timelines, a little edge of suspense, and the cover design is EVERYTHING. But I also happen to know Jaime’s writing is some of the most captivating. It will suck you in and make you forget where you are — bring you into the lives of characters you can’t forget when you put the book down. Yes, Jaime is my friend and has often mentored me through my own writing journey. But, make no mistake, my bias has nothing to do with making the claim for The House on Foster Hill being the most anticipated debut novel. Mark my words, people: Book of 2017.

BONUS! Love at First Laugh Novella Collection

I know, I know…the blog post says 3… but there’s one more release coming NEXT WEEK you must know about. Check out the Love at First Laugh: Eight Romantic Novellas Filled with Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever After with romantic comedy novellas from:

• Pepper Basham
• Christina Coryell
• Heather Gray
• Elizabeth Maddrey
• Jessica R. Patch
• Krista Phillips
• Laurie Tomlinson
• Marion Ueckermann

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Laurie’s novella, That’s When I Knew and will be reviewing it in my next blog post, so stay tuned!

What books are YOU looking forward to this year?