Top 10 Tuesday - LOVE: A Valentine's Day Freebie
A new Tuesday, a new prompt for Top 10 Tuesday. This week the prompt is a freebie for Valentine's Day (love). As most of you know by now, I'm not a big romance reader. But, I do occasionally read a book that has a love story wound into it. There's also Friend Love or Sibling Love, etc. so I'll be expanding my "love" theme to include a little of those as well.
Thanks to Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl for hosting another week of Top Ten Tuesday. I enjoy participating each week for a couple reasons. I'm a compulsive list maker and love a good list. And, I love a connection with other readers as I wander their book blogs. Links to my review.
Here and Now and Then by Mike Chen
This futuristic story shows the love of a man for his wife and daughter even though they're separated by generations in the time continuum. A charming and unusual story.
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
This is a hard, emotional, dark story. Two dads' sons are murdered - they were married to each other and neither dad approved of the lifestyle. But, they loved their sons and want retribution. Though harsh, I like that the father's learn to come around and realize they love their kids in spite of their life choices. A fave in 2022.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
My third book by Henry and probably my last. This is by far the closest to a traditional romance novel on my list and the one I preferred of Henry's books, probably because there was some depth in the back stories of the characters. But, the genre just isn't for me.
Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos
A great example of found family and the affection that grows between two broken women - an elderly woman finding that her end is near but that motivates her to deal with some of the issues of her wealth, and a young woman with a broken heart that is trying to rebuild her life.
All the Devils Are Here #16 by Louise Penny
Most of the Inspector Gamache stories have an undercurrent of love - either between Gamache and members of his family, between him and Beauvoir, or between the Three Pines Characters. However, this book was more personal than most as the family travels to Paris and, while in the midst of solving a mystery, face family threats and long time strains are worked through. Familial love, hurt, and love again are beautifully told.
Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young
A heartwarming story set in the Pacific NW about a gentle second chance at love as well as a a community struggling to survive and told with a touch of magic.
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
This story has my kind of love story - it's subtle, in the background, realistically present without taking over the story which is really about a broken mother / daughter relationship and forgiveness.
I'll Be Your Blue Sky by Marisa de los Santos
A story of love and redemption - just before her wedding, an elderly woman stranger advises a bride against the wedding, dies shortly after and leaves her home to the bride. She learns the secrets of the elderly woman and finds the 'right' love for herself.
The Latecomers by Rich Marcello
This surprising story is of a marriage and a couple facing retirement and what that means to their relationship. It's got touches of magical realism and spiritualism as the couple moves apart and back together.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
From elderly love to young love - I don't remember what made me pick this book up but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this depiction of YA first love. It's delightful and handled believably.
As I browse your blogs looking for love (ha!), I'll be looking for books about relationship and love/caring, but not in a traditional 'romance' novel format. I wonder if I'll add any to my TBR this week......
I can't wait to see what your suggestions are. Here's to all of us reading lots of good books in 2023.
