The 7 best novels of 2013

The 7 best novels of 2013


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SALT LAKE CITY — If you are looking to fill your bookshelf with the best, here are the novels that stood head and shoulders above the rest in 2013. Feel free to share your favorite reads published this year in the comment section.

1. “Shadow on the Crown” by Patricia Bracewell

With everything from war and betrayal to forbidden love and sweet romance, “Shadow on the Crown” is a stellar historical fiction novel. Emma, a character lost to history, is a heroine everyone can admire and love. Author Patricia Bracewell writes with passion and gorgeous prose. The book is now available in paperback and watch for book two in the trilogy in 2014.

(Content note: There are about five or six brief but moderately descriptive sex scenes between the king and Emma, a few other sexual references, some violence [King Aethelred is a bad guy!], brief battlefield violence including mention of rape and a few uses of foul language.)

2. “The Winter Witch” by Paula Brackston

Another expertly written historical fiction novel with a supernatural twist, “The Winter Witch” is author Paula Brackston’s second book. Morgana, who cannot speak, marries Cai and is taken away from everything familiar. Soon a powerful witch threatens everything in her new life and she must find the courage to summon her own power to save it all. “The Winter Witch” is atmospheric and enchanting. Watch for Brackston’s next historical witch tale, “The Midnight Witch,” March 25, 2014.

(Content note: Mild violence and one slightly descriptive, short sex scene between Cai and Morgana, a married couple.)

3. “Dark Memories” by Jeffrey S. Savage

Utah author Jeffrey S. Savage’s horror novel is atmospheric and layered with mystery, emotion and the supernatural. His plot is so well conceived that the reader desperately clings to every page, wondering what will happen next and how it will all come together. Not blood-and-guts scary, but psychological-in-your-head scary. The characters, especially Chief Cal Hunt, are instantly likable and have refreshing depth.

4. “On Little Wings” by Regina Sirois

This young adult novel is everything a young adult novel should be: rich, spirited writing; gorgeous settings, strong families, journeys of self-discovery and the beauty of first love. Author Regina Sirois has done an absolutely amazing job with her debut, which was first self-published and then went on to win the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. It was re-released by Viking in spring of 2013. Sirois’ subtly profound prose, her charming characters and her poignant commentary on family and life make this book a triumph.

5. “Bellman and Black” by Diane Setterfield

The long awaited second novel of Diane Setterfield, author of the international best-seller, “The Thirteenth Tale,” recently hit shelves. This beautifully written, delightfully twisted ghost story tells the fateful tale of William Bellman and how one childhood indiscretion brings a lifetime of haunting, death and a bizarre business proposition.

6. “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simison

As sweet as it is heartwarming, this international hit will have readers laughing out loud and loving the quirky narrator, Don Tillman, a professor of genetics. On a quest to find out if he is capable of true love despite his social awkwardness and history of dating failure, Tillman is the kind of character to root for and relate to. A memorable read about finding love amid the challenges of life.

7. “The Witch of Little Italy” by Suzanne Palmieri

This charming debut novel follows the mysterious and magical life of the Amore women. Eleanor Amore, after discovering she’s pregnant, returns home to her family in the Bronx. But Eleanor has another problem: she can’t remember her past. As her memories slowly return with the help of her childhood sweetheart, she uncovers deeply buried family secrets. “The Witch of Little Italy” is an irresistible read.


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About the Author: Teri Harman -----------------------------

Teri Harman, author and book enthusiast, writes a monthly column for ksl.com and contributes book-related segments to Studio 5. Her debut novel, "Blood Moon," is now available in stores and online. Join in the magic and chaos at teriharman.com.*

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