It’s that time of the year again when I recap all the books I’ve read this year. 2020 was a stretch reading year for me as I set a goal to read 100 books (truth is I at first aimed really low by setting the goal at 12 which I quickly met. I eventually decided to challenge myself and change my goal to 100).
As I reviewed my list of best books for 2020, I realized that I had read a lot of ARCs (advanced reader’s copy) which means a good chunk of these books were actually published in 2020.
The best books of 2020 have been divided into subcategories to make it easier for you to go through the list.
Best Fiction Books of 2020
This year has been a record of Christian fiction reading for me and I discovered and read a lot of new-to-me authors. I hope that by sharing my best reads of 2020, you may discover some new books and also some new-to-you authors.
Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason
The preplanning and foreshadowing in this book are awesome! The minute you’re done reading you’ll want to go back to the beginning to find the clues you missed.
Find it Amazon | Baker BooksOnce In A Blue Moon by Amanda Ashby
The story of Laney and Adam was a second-chance, enemies-to-friend, once-in-a-lifetime love story that had all the feels. I was drawn in from the first line and enjoyed every moment of the story. What made this story even more interesting was the quaint town that made its tourists–and residents–feel at home.
Purchase Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar
The book of Acts has a short reference to a couple Aquila and Priscilla, this book explores what their relationship could have been like. What was great about this book was how it brought the culture of the New Testament alive. One Little Lie by Colleen CobleThis story began with a mystery and continued to draw you into the characters’ lives. I was fascinated by Jane’s story and wanted her to first become aware of the “one little lie” especially once it was officially revealed in the book.
This book was fascinating because it showed how much damage one lie–even if told for a good reason– can affect the lives of many people for a lot longer than you may realize.
This beautiful story by Becky Wade is a testimony of the grace and forgiveness we can find in Christ. It’s also a reminder that we’re unable to save ourselves because it is Christ who offers us the free gift of salvation. This story is told through the romance between Sam and Genevieve and the characters of Misty River in a way that will touch your heart.
Texas Twin Abduction by Virginia VaughanThis was a tale about a woman in trouble, but couldn’t remember what she was afraid of. Virginia Vaughn’s tale whispers of redemption, identity, and restoration. It was filled with drama, tension, and the occasional surprise ending.
Stories That Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner
This book is the bittersweet story of one woman’s journey through the world after her husband’s death. We are drawn in by her stories and reminded that our stories matter.
Jane Doe by Lillian Duncan
This book was fast-paced and engaging. It showcased the best and worst sides of humanity. But there was also a strong reminder that no matter what situation you find yourself in, God is still with you. The Way of the Brave by Susan May WarrenA thrilling read of men pitting themselves against a mountain and a lesson on how futile it is to try to run away from your past. We are the sum of all our experiences and how we handle them. Both Orion and Jenny had to learn that no single event, while it may have life-defining effects should not be the standard by which you live your life. They each had to come to terms with what had happened in the past so they could forge a future together.
Start With Me by Kara IssacThis book gave me a book hangover in the best way. It started slowly and you can’t help wondering what the opening scene has to do with the storyline until Kara Isaacs draws you into the lives of her characters and weaves a compelling tale. Victor had such a troubled past that his family had a hard time letting go of it and Lacey knows enough of his history to be wary of him…but there’s something between them. This novel was a slow-burn romance that was totally awesome.
AmazonMy Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Okay, so technically this book wasn’t published in 2020 but since I read it in 2020 and it was so awesome I had to include it on this list (I hope you’ll forgive me).The romance between Kate and Matt was so sweet. I loved the way that Kate sought out to be his friend because she knew that was what he needed. She spent a lot of time trying to convince herself she could do without him because that seemed to be best for him. But when Matt finally decided she was the one he wanted, oh my word! Sparks flew. What I also lived about this story though was the thread of prayer and obedience to God that ran through it. Kate and Matt remind us of how powerful our prayers combined with an obedient heart can be.
The Truth About Fame by Toni Shiloh
This story is told from the perspective of Tori Bell a world-renowned model who is being stalked. She fakes a relationship with her bodyguard to draw out the stalker. What she doesn’t expect is for sparks to fly between her and her protector. This novel was great because of how relatable the characters were.
Spies and Sweethearts is one of those stories that started slowly. When you start reading it you wonder if the characters will be relatable or if they are going to be realistically portrayed, you wonder if the cast will make it that you don’t want to read the story. But then it starts and you are on this rollercoaster ride and everything is awesome. What I also enjoyed about this novel is the theme that God is faithful and He is always looking out for you regardless of where in the world or what situations you find yourself in.
Kobo | AmazonThe Price of Valor by Susan May Warren
The Price of Valor is the third and final book in the Global Rescue series and it packs quite a punch. As action-packed as the other books in the series, it throws in the added wrench of political intrigue and marital drama. The question of what one is able to forgive will be considered as you read this book. A Man Worth Shaving For by Michelle PenningtonThis book was laugh-out-loud funny. It is written in the first-person narrative and it was interesting to see things from the character’s perspective while also waiting to see how things would work out for Tessa and Logan.
Purchase on Amazon | AudibleThe Price of Dreams by Toni Shiloh
The Price of Dreams is the third and final book in the Faith and Fortune Chick-lit series. It follows the story of Olivia, a ballerina who had been hurt. As she struggled to regain her ability to dance she contemplated starting a relationship with her physical therapist, Noah. This book explores the topic of biracial relationships and all the angst that comes with it.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Heart of a Warrior by Angela K. Couch
The Heart of a Warrior is the story of Towan a part Caucasian part Shoshane man who struggled to find his place in the world. When he met Christina, the struggle heightened. Together, they have to set aside their prejudice and hate to find love.
Scribd | AmazonBest Nonfiction Books of 2020
These books which made my best nonfiction books of 2020 will encourage you to do an introspective look into your life. What lies do you believe? What do you need to know about your identity in Christ? How can you search the Word of God to know more about Him?
Claim Your Crown by Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
In her debut book, Tarah-Lynn spoke to the women of her generation calling them to a life of service and worship of God. While the message isn’t new, it was refreshing to see someone so young using their platform to give glory to God.
Young women are encouraged to give their lives to God and use their influence–including their social media platforms–to tell the world about him.
The Way Home by Tessa Afshar
What lessons can you learn from the lives of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz? The Way Home is a study of the book of Ruth. But it’s more than that. It’s an invitation to trust God in the bitter moments of your life.
This in-depth study looked at the life of Naomi and Ruth and how they moved from believing God had abandoned them, to trust him with the rest of their lives.
Purchase: Moody Publishers | Amazon
The Beginners Guide to Fast and Pray by Tiffany Montgomery
This relatively short read gives principles to encourage you to fast and pray. Many times, as believers, we fail to tap into the power of God. The techniques highlighted in this book are an invitation to a deeper relationship with God. They are presented simply and from the perspective of someone who has also struggled to implement the lessons in their own lives.
Get it on Amazon
Praying Women by Sheila Walsh
How do you pray when you don’t know what to say? When God seems silent? Or when you believe he has left you to face your challenges on your own? All of these questions and more are answered in Praying Women: How to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say.
This book on prayer had a few surprises in the form of little nuggets of cultural information about the people of the Bible that allows you to understand the concepts and teachings in the Bible about prayer.
The Little Project by Latasha Strachan
This short read will have you pondering your purpose and taking steps to accomplish them. Written from the perspective of a personal coach, Latasha comes alongside you to encourage you to strive to complete the assignments God has given you.
Purchase on Amazon
The Basic Bible Atlas by John Beck
This book explained how important the land of the Bible is when it comes to understanding the Word and the people of the Bible. The Basic Bible Atlas tells the story of the landscape of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and every major point in between.
Befriending Your Monsters by Luke Norsworthy
Learn to look at your fears in another way–these “monsters” rob you of your identity in Christ and prevent you from living up to your true potential.
Best Books Read in 2020
These are some of the best books I read in 2020. They gave me new ways to ponder old ideas, offered hours of entertainment, or highlighted one characteristic or attribute of God. I hope you’ll select a few to add to your library and find the same joy and pleasure I did when I read them.
What books did you enjoy reading this year? Share your best books of 2020 in the comments.
You may also like: