"A Time to Stand" by Robert Whitlow

In a story that feels ripped from the headlines, Robert Whitlow takes readers to a small town divided by racial tensions.

best books of 2012: top 10

Last year (okay, it was really last February), I picked my favorite books of 2011 in several genres. These were books that I read in 2011, but they weren't necessarily published in 2011. This year, rather than pick my favorite books of 2012 in particular genres, I've assembled a Top 10 list. Some of these books are in the same genre, because—let's be honest—nearly everything I read is a historical or contemporary romance. These books didn't all earn 5-star reviews—but they are the 10 books that, at the end of the year, I remembered most fondly. I nearly decided to skip ranking the books and merely list 10 of my favorites, but that would be the easy way out. So here they are, my 10 favorite books of 2012.

10. Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss (my review)

This is one of the last books I read in 2012, and it was definitely one of the best! I love how the two stories—one from the present and one from the past—are intertwined. Plus, both romances are really heartwarming. Definitely a winner!

9. Beyond Molasses Creek by Nicole Seitz (my review)

I read Beyond Molasses Creek on a train, in an airport, and on a plane. When I finished, I just had to sit there and absorb it—it was that good. It's definitely not fluff (though you know I enjoy the fluff, too!)—it's a novel to be savored.

8. Dreamspell by Tamara Leigh (my review)

It's a time travel story with humor and an excellent romance, capped off by a touching epilogue. Do I need to say more?

7. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (my review)

I stayed up far too late reading this book about an heiress who goes undercover as a maid. Though it's set a full century before Downton Abbey, if you're a Downton fan, you'll enjoy this book.

6. The Choice by Robert Whitlow (my review)

This is absolutely the best pro-life book I have ever read. Here's part of my review: "This book shows the abortion debate in a different light as it goes beyond the choice itself and shows the aftermath of the decision. While I have always considered myself pro-life, The Choice helped me see past the politicized pro-life/pro-choice debate and consider the women who face the pain of unplanned pregnancy while also strengthening my belief in the importance of choosing life."

You need to read this book!

5. Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol by Creston Mapes (my review)

Honestly, I didn't expect to enjoy Dark Star very much ... so I never would have guessed it would end up on my Top 10 list!

From my review: "Rarely do I read a book that captivates me as much as Dark Star did. I felt like I was really reading a rock star's autobiography—it was like an E! True Hollywood Story in book form. I literally could not stop reading—I had to know what would happen next!"

4. With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin (my review)

With Every Letter is a wonderful World War II romance that takes its cue from The Shop Around the Corner (the precursor to You've Got Mail). Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite historical fiction writers because of the wonderful characters she creates. Her books are can't miss for historical fiction lovers!

3. The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello (my review)

Giorello's Raleigh Harmon series is my favorite in-progress series. Raleigh is an FBI agent, and each book details one of her cases ... as well as her relationship (which can't really be described as a romance—yet!) with fellow agent Jack Stephanson. The Stars Shine Bright is my favorite Raleigh book to date, and I eagerly await the next installment.

2. Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore (my review)

Angel Eyes was my favorite book of the year in two categories: Young Adult (YA) fiction and sci-fi/fantasy. This is a fabulous book that is at turns witty, thought provoking, intense, and sweet. I can't wait to read the sequel, which releases next month!

1. My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade (my review)
I read My Stubborn Heart at the end of April. After that, every time someone asked me for book recommendations, this was at the top of the list. This is a fantastic book with wonderful characters, and it has a great message about following God instead of your heart.

If you pick just one book from this list to read, read My Stubborn Heart. Not only is it my favorite book of 2012, but it would easily make my list of the Top 10 books I've ever read!

Have you read any of the books on this list? What did you think of them?

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"the choice" by robert whitlow

About the book (back cover copy): One young woman. Two very different roads. The choice will change everything.

Even as a pregnant, unwed teen in 1974, Sandy Lincoln wanted to do the right thing. But when an ageless woman approached her in a convenience store with a mysterious prophecy and a warning, doing the right thing became even more unclear. She made the best choice she could . . . and has lived with the consequences.

More than thirty years later, a pregnant teen has come into her life, and Sandy’s long-ago decision has come back to haunt her. The stakes rise quickly, leaving Sandy with split seconds to choose once more. But will her choice bring life . . . or death?

My take: Wow. I did not expect this book to have such an emotional impact on me! From the beginning, I was completely absorbed in the story—to the point where I was oblivious to everything else around me as I read. Because of my crazy back-to-school schedule, I had to read the book in bits and pieces ... and I found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading it. I don't normally talk about the books I'm reading before I finish them unless someone asks, but I couldn't help sharing Sandy's story with anyone who would listen. And when I finally finished the book, my arms were covered in goosebumps and my eyes were filled with tears. It truly was the perfect ending to a powerful story.

Whitlow has written some amazing characters, like Sandy, her aunt Linda, and her lawyer Jeremy. I especially thought that Sandy's reactions to her circumstances seemed realistic (not always smart, but definitely realistic), and I wanted to jump into the story to tell her what I thought she should do.

This book shows the abortion debate in a different light as it goes beyond the choice itself and shows the aftermath of the decision. While I have always considered myself pro-life, The Choice helped me see past the politicized pro-life/pro-choice debate and consider the women who face the pain of unplanned pregnancy while also strengthening my belief in the importance of choosing life. I absolutely loved The Choice and will definitely be looking for Robert Whitlow's other books. 4-1/2 stars.

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Buy the book.

About the author: Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.

For more about Robert and his other books, visit www.robertwhitlow.com.

About the giveaway: Win a Nook Color from Robert Whitlow in The Choice Giveaway. RSVP for 8/28 Facebook Party.
 
Celebrate with Robert by entering to win a Nook Color with GlowLight!

See what folks are saying about The Choice!

One "choice" winner will receive:

• A Nook Color with GlowLight
• A four book Robert Whitlow library (winner's choice)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 27th. Winner will be announced at the "The Choice" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/28. Meet Robert, get a sneak peek of his next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!

So grab your copy of The Choice and join Robert on the evening of the August 27th for a chance to connect with Robert and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."