Heartsong Editor’s Picks 2009

I started sharing my “picks” last year on the blog, and some folks were surprised that I dared show favorites like this. But as I stated before, my desire isn’t to hurt any feelings or make anyone seem like “editor’s pet.” I simply want to share my thoughts on which Heartsongs stood out to me as shining a little brighter than the rest and were the most enjoyable for me to read and work on. Hopeful Heartsong authors and those who want to keep learning and improving could read these as examples if they don’t have time to read every one of our wonderful Heartsong books.

That said, here are the 2009 (HP#s 829-880) Heartsong Editor’s Picks. They are simply in alphabetical order by author, as it was too hard to rank them! I was asked last year to give reasons as to why I made the picks and I never got around to it with my 2008 list, but I have done that this year.

Contemporary Favorites

• The Bossy Bridegroom (#830) by Mary Connealy – This was not your typical Heartsong, and its uniqueness is what made it stand out to me. It dealt with some heavy topics but did it well in a short novel format.
• Always Ready by Susan Page Davis (#865) – The adventurous Alaskan setting, which Susan researched and described very well, and the truly heroic nature of the hero and heroine are what made this a favorite.
• Finding Home (#866) by Jennifer Johnson – This story had an intriguing, emotionally charged plot and an excellent spiritual message.
• Dream Chasers (#837) and Stillwater Promise (#857) by Becky Melby and Cathy Wienke – These authors have a great talent for emotionally connecting the reader to very realistic characters. I was completely wrapped up in caring about them, and with Dream Chasers I remember downright sobbing at the end. (And it takes a lot for me to even shed a tear over a romance since I read so many.)
• A Still, Small Voice (#877) by Kim O’Brien – This book made me giggle uncontrollably in several places but also had a poignant spiritual message. Kim has a great talent for combining those elements in a story.

Historical Favorites

• Under the Tulip Poplar (#860) by Diane Ashley and Aaron McCarver – This one had great conflict and characters combined with interesting historical research. I love reliving details from the past when I’m caught up in a story.
• The Glassblower (#880) by Laurie Alice Eakes – The hero was my favorite part of this book. I found his occupation as a glassblower intriguing and his personality totally endearing right from the start. I really, really wanted him to get the girl. :)
• Aloha Love (#844) by Yvonne Lehman – I truly felt carried away to another time and place in this story. The exotic setting, unique historic detail, and fascinating characters kept my interest the whole way through.
• All that Glitters (#863) by Lynette Sowell – The seaside, Gilded Age setting took me away to another fascinating time and place, and a seemingly impossible romance kept me wrapped up in this story.
• The Bartered Bride (#875) by Erica Vetsch – Excellent historical research and detail and great conflict among strong characters are what made this a favorite.