I’m linking up with The Broke and the Bookish (which describes me quite well) for ten underrated/hidden gem books I’ve read over the last year or so. I adapted the topic slightly to suit the books I had in mind, making the focus here mainly series.
If my list is “more of the same” from me, it’s because hidden gems are a mainstay of my reading diet. Most of the books I review and blog about could be considered hidden gems. While I do read classics and books by major publishers with super-wide exposure, I concentrate my efforts on quality books by authors who publish independently or with independent publishers. I know self-published books have a bad rap in certain circles, but there are many, many excellent books out there. More every day.
Despite the fact I’m well acquainted with the fact that life is not fair (thank you, dear children), I still bristle when I come across poorly-written books selling into the millions with hundreds of fabulous reviews while excellent books remain lost in obscurity, struggling to cobble together a handful of reviews.
Here’s to the underrated book!
The Jane E series by Erin McCole Cup
Charlotte Bronte’s classic Jane Eyre modernized for the sci-fi era.
Theresa Linden’s Teen Fiction series
Realistic fiction for teens that deftly weaves the spiritual and material.
The Bennett series by Olivia Folmar Ard
Thoughtful, relevant women’s fiction with a moral compass.
Full Quiver Publishing books
Quality writing with Catholic and Theology of the Body themes in a variety of genres.
I Am Margaret series by Corinna Turner
Dystopian adventure amidst religious persecution.
The Liberty Trilogy by Theresa Linden
Dystopian adventure in a world where faith, family, and freedom are nearly eradicated.
Black Horse Campground Mystery series by Amy M. Bennett
Cozy mysteries (with well-drawn characters) that will keep you guessing.
The Half Killed by Quenby Olson
A reluctant spiritualist pulled into a murder investigation in the oppressive heat of London.
Full Cycle by Christopher Blunt
A father and son team beat the odds in cycling competition.
The Bird Face series by Cynthia Toney
A young teen girl copes with bullying, a blended family, and boys.
Name one hidden gem you’ve read in the past year.
Carolyn, thank you so much for shining a spotlight on our hidden gems and getting them noticed! I agree with you that many acclaimed novels by high-profile publishers, and with excellent reviews, don’t hold a candle to these books! (Two different light metaphors in one comment, but please forgive me.)