10 Authors to Read While Safer at Home

Is your TBR (To Be Read) pile dwindling? Have you been going through books faster than a box of doughnuts in a house full of teenagers? Are you looking for fresh ideas of what to read during this crazy time in life?

If you answered “Heck yeah!” to any of the above questions, you’re in the right place. I’m going to share with you ten authors to read while you’re safer at home. Let’s get started!

1. Tosca Lee

Whether you like thrillers or Biblical historical fiction, Tosca Lee has something for you. If you want a too close to reality/ripped from the headlines story, check out The Line between and the sequel A Single Light. If you want to read one of my favorite books of all time, read Demon: A Memoir. Her depth of research is as intense as her thrillers and her prose is beautiful. I’ll read anything she writes! Tosca’s currently reading through The Progeny each night on her Facebook Page. Join the fun each night at 9:00PM Eastern/8:00PM Central.

2. Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo Wright is a fellow Wisconsinite and the author of split-time (also called time-slip) novels. Jaime Jo made my favorite authors bookcase with her first novel, The House on Foster Hill. Each of her books get better and better. I love them all, but my two favorites are The Curse of Misty Wayfair and Echoes Among the Stones. Her books are deliciously creepy, but not too scary. Also, her heroes are also swoon-worthy so there’s that!

3. Steven James

I had to put Steven James on my list for those of you who are brave at heart – or are quarantined with others so that you don’t have to read scary books alone! If you’re looking for a terrifying read that highlights the battle between good and evil/light and dark, check out his Patrick Bowers series. I’m in the middle of this series, but I try not to read them when I’m home alone. The great thing about Steven is that he’s an expert storyteller who also writes books for kids, teens, and writers. He pretty much does it all and will have something that’s right up your alley!

4. James Rubart

James Rubart’s books defy reality and that’s why I love them. Jim knows how to craft a story so well that you can see yourself in the characters. Things happen in his books that, well, just shouldn’t happen. If you’re a dreamer or like to think outside the box, these books are for you! Rooms and The Long Journey to Jake Palmer are two of my Rubart favorites. They’ll blow your mind and capture your heart.

5. James R. Hannibal

Up next is another James. I discovered James R. Hannibal with his book The Gryphon Heist. It’s an exciting read that really needs to be made into a movie. The sequel, Chasing the White Lion, is on the top of my shrinking TBR pile. James is a former stealth pilot who has been chased by terrorists. For real. He also has a fascinating condition where his senses instesect. This means he can see sounds and hear flashes of light. You guys, his books are just as fascinating as he is and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. If you love adventure, his books are for you!

6. Natalie Walters

Natalie Walters is a newer author and one I’m happy I discovered early on. I just finished her Harbored Secrets series and it was fantastic. If you like suspense, small town life, and sweet romance, her books are for you. The last book in the trilogy, Silent Shadows, is my favorite and wraps up the series nicely. I hate when a book or series ends too soon so I’m thrilled with the way this one ended. Epilogues are my jam!

7. Joanna Davidson Politano

Joanna writes historical fiction and she’s good at it. Really good. Her books are suspenseful, memorable, and packed with deep spiritual truths. If you like those things, Joanna’s books are for you. Personally, I love when an author can draw me closer to Jesus without preaching at me and Joanna does that so well. Her books are ones that I copy quotes out of to remember later. My favorite book of hers is A Rumored Fortune. Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt and a sweet romance?!

8. Melanie Dobson

I have to admit, I have a lot of Melanie Dobson books to catch up on, but the ones I have read I love. Melanie writes time-slip novels, as well as suspense and historical novels and novellas. I have read some of her time-slip novels and I love them. Her attention to detail and historical research is impressive. I love being tricked into learning history and I look forward to reading many more Melanie Dobson books. My favorite so far is Hidden Among the Stars. This book includes hidden treasure and a castle. Yes please! If you like learning history through good stories, Melanie’s books are for you.

9. Lynn H. Blackburn

Lynn Blackburn may not like black licorice, but she knows how to write a good story. Lynn writes romantic suspense stories – with southern sass! She has a couple of Love Inspired books out (which I still need to read) and is the author of the Dive Team Investigations series. I have a hard time choosing which of the three Dive Team books is my favorite – you really can’t go wrong with any of them! Lucky for you, they’re all out now so you can binge read this fantastic series. (I may be team Adam & Sabrina, but don’t tell the others!)

10. Tessa Afshar

Tessa Afshar was born in Iran, moved to England in her teen years and to the United States in college. Tessa’s heritage gives her personal insight into Middle Eastern culture and I think that’s why her historical Biblical fiction novels are so powerful. She’s an incredibly talented writer who helps her readers see Biblical characters as real people. I copy many quotes from Tessa’s books as well, they’re so inspiring! Again, it’s hard to pick a favorite book, but Pearl in the Sand (Rahab’s story) and In the Field of Grace (Ruth’s story) are two favorites.

So there you have it, ten authors to read while safer at home. There are so many more authors I adore and wish I could have included. Seriously, this list could be a top 100 – but I won’t do that to you!

10 Authors to Read While Safer at Home #amreading

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I’d love to hear your recommendations. Post a comment and let me know who some of your favorite authors are or what books you’d recommend we read during this unprecedented time in history. Let’s help each other out!

Until next time,

Josie