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SALT LAKE CITY — As we venture into the New Year, bulk up your to-read pile with the best novels of 2015. There's a little something for every fiction fan on this list.
1. "A Heart Revealed" by Josi S. Kilpack
"A Heart Revealed" is a thoughtful, hard-to-put-down, clean romance set in Regency London. When an unusual tragedy befalls Amber Sterlington, the rage of the season, she is cast out of London and must create a new life. Local author Josi S. Kilpack takes the familiar high society story and skillfully elevates it. A wonderful book, great for adults and teens.
Content note: Clean
2. "The Ghosts of Heaven" by Marcus Sedgwick
Marcus Sedgwick, master of interwoven narratives, thrills and astounds readers in this book. Spirals are everywhere in our world, but how do these shapes connect a first civilization girl and her cave drawings, a Victorian mental institute doctor and a man so far in the future that humans are looking for a new earth? Read it and find out. Another good choice for young and old.
Content note: A couple uses of mild foul language and mild violence.
3. "The Truth and Other Lies" by Sascha Arango
For something a little dark and twisty, pick up "The Truth and Other Lies" from award-winning German author Sascha Arango. Henry Haden is a charming, handsome, successful novelist. He's a great friend and a devoted husband. He's also a psychopath. When his mistress becomes pregnant, the secret of who really writes his best-selling novels (his wife) is threatened. What follows is a path that winds around so many curves you'll be dizzy with delight. Extremely clever, humorous and hard to put down.
Content note: Occasional use of foul language, including a couple F-words, and a few graphic sexual references.
4. "Once Upon A Crime: A Brothers Grimm Mystery" by P.J. Brackston
This book is hilarious. Author P.J. Brackston's beautiful, sharp writing combined with great humor make it the perfect vacation/weekend/fun read. Gretel (yes, that Gretel) is all grown up and working as a private investigator. She's charming, quirky and unexpected — and finds herself in plenty of entertaining, laugh-out-loud situations. The mystery offers plenty of odd twists and hilarity. This is the first book in a series; the second book, "The Case of the Fickle Mermaid," comes out Jan. 15.
Content note: Mild swearing, some mild violence and the occasional mild sexual reference.
5. "Uprooted" by Naomi Novick
New this year from "New York Times" best-selling fantasy author Naomi Novick is a delightful stand-alone. This book has everything: earth magic, romance, action, beautiful descriptions and great characters. The pace never slows, and you'll be so eager to see what happens next between newly discovered witch Agnieszka and her mentor, The Dragon. The magic is perfection, and offers so many great moments and interesting scenes. Such a great book!
Content note: One slightly descriptive almost-sex scene, one moderately descriptive sex scene, and some violence.
6. "Letters to the Lost" by Iona Grey
Author Iona Grey's World War II love story is powerful and unforgettable. In 1942 Stella meets Dan, an American pilot, in London. The attraction is instant, but fate has cruel plans. Jess, in modern day, stumbles upon Dan's last letter to Stella, and the heartbreaking, beautiful story unfolds.
Content note: Occasional foul language, moderate sexuality, and one brief rape scene.
7. "Bohemian Gospel" by Dana Chamblee Carpenter
Thirteenth century Bohemia is an unstable place for a girl as odd as Mouse. Those close to her say she's an angel; others call her a witch. But when she saves the young king's life, Mouse is swept up into a world of sorrow, love and magic. A gorgeous tragic tale, with stellar characters and an ending you won't see coming.
Content note: Occasional foul language, moderate violence and moderate sexuality.
What books did you love in 2015? Share on in the comment section below.
Teri Harman, author and book enthusiast, writes a monthly column for KSL.com and contributes book-related segments to "Studio 5." Her novels, "Blood Moon," "Black Moon" and "Storm Moon" are now available. Visit her at teriharman.com.
