Top Contemporary Books {Five Fall Favorites}

Some avid readers use knapsacks, some book bags, and some simply use their arms to carry their prized possessions—precious works of art.  Literary art.
So grab your pack, stuff it full of your favorite books, and follow me on an adventure to find more to add to your overflowing backpack.

I'm not much of a typical contemporary book fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed these!

I Don't Dance by Jesseca Wheaton

Ty and Jen have been friends for nearly as long as anyone can remember. But when Ty goes off to college and leaves her behind, he has to face the reality that he cares for her as more then just a friend. 

As graduations approaches and with only one summer left before he begins basic training, Ty must make a decision. Military life is never easy; is it fair to force it on the one he loves? 

In the midst of wrestling with the question and coming to the realization that summer is quickly drawing to a close, Ty struggles to face questions he cannot answer, and is forced to examine his own heart. 

Is it possible that God has a future for him with Jen? Or will the summer close with only memories of days gone by? 

Their relationship would be old fashioned. But that was okay. Because old fashioned and whimsical fit perfectly with a southern summer.

Ty and Jen's relationship was #goals.  And their willingness to do what God said, even if it meant giving up each other... oh goodness, it felt so real.

Dandelion Dust by Faith Potts

Like a speck of dandelion dust riding the tides of a prairie wind, life is fleeting. Though I never realized just how fragile it was until that day . . .

Charity always had a dream. It was simple, really. Find a guy, fall in love, and get married.
The day she met Ryder, Charity knew he was the man God had chosen for her. But she never expected their relationship to be tested and tried through the fires of a freak accident. Suddenly, her world is thrown into chaos, and the bleak, white walls and sterile smells of a city hospital fill every spare minute. And then there comes the dreaded news. It was likely Ryder would never make it out of the hospital bed.
As her carefully laid plans for the future come crashing down around her and the sun seems to set on her dreams, can Charity still find hope in the dark of night?

Like a dandelion, life is beautiful. But treasure every moment. . . . for one day, the flower will be gone.

This flawless piece of art is the cutest thing ever!  This is the book that made me realize that I might actually like a liiiitle romance if it's done right. ;)

Code of Honor by Alan Gratz

Live by the code. Die by the code?

Kamran Smith has it all. He’s the star of the football team, dates the most popular girl, and can’t wait to enlist in the army like his big brother, Darius. Although Kamran’s mother is from Iran, Kamran has always felt 100% American. Accepted.

And then everything implodes.

Darius is accused of being a terrorist. Kamran refuses to believe it. But Darius has been filmed making threats against his country, hinting at an upcoming deadly attack. Suddenly, everyone in Kamran’s life turns against him and his family.

Kamran knows it’s up to him to clear his brother’s name. In a race against time, Kamran must piece together a series of clues and codes that will lead him to Darius—and the truth.

But is it a truth Kamran is ready to face? And is he putting his own life at risk?

*flaps hands* um um um um I read this entire thing in one day and I couldn't put it down and though it's a secular book and I could've done without the beginning, and there was a bit of profanity, the rest was spot-on and I'll stop now before I make a fool of myself (if I haven't already).  This is the other mom-picked (she actually found it at the thrift store and picked it up because she thought it looked like something I'd enjoy) book that I talked about on Tuesday.


Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

Captain Dean Watters keeps his mission and his team in the forefront of his laser-like focus. So when Dean’s mission and team are threatened, his Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Failing to stop hackers from stealing national security secrets from the military’s secure computers and networks isn’t an option. Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. And a target. When Zahrah is captured because of her expertise in quantum cryptology, compromising the US military, Dean is forced to crack the lockbox around his heart—a move that might come at the highest cost.

Oh my... so intense.  Almost too intense for me a couple years ago.  The torture scenes, though incredible, aren't exactly for the faint of heart.  But acccckkkkk, soooo good. (The book, not necessarily the torture scenes.  Even though those were pretty epic too... but that sounds bad...)


The Davidson Case by Julie C. Gilbert

Somebody wants her sister dead ... FBI Special Agent Ann Duncan knows how to face down danger, but once again, she's not the target. Her baby sister, Joy Davidson, has stumbled upon a conspiracy and made some powerful enemies. Luck and God's grace help Ann save her sister the first time, but she knows the bad guys will try again. With Patrick on a university tour and perhaps the most important case of her career weighing upon her mind, Ann must find the strength, wisdom, and heart to find out who wants her sister dead, what Joy discovered, and how to stop the conspirators. Ann instinctively knows that if she fails the Davidson case will only be the first of many tragedies.

Oh my goodness, the Heartfelt cases!!  A love for mysteries with agents and such hold a prominent place in my heart.  And these are no exception.  Suspenseful, intriguing, and... yeah.

All that said, visit Rebekah's blog to find more contemporary recs!