12 Quiet Gem Books Hidden on my Bookshelf


Today’s another Top Ten Tuesday meme, which means we get to discuss all the books. This time it’s one quiet gem books because we all love discovering those underrated books.

12 Quiet Gem Books Hidden on my Bookshelf. Talking about some of the books I don't discuss as much from my shelf. Text © Rissi JC
12 Quiet Gem Books Hidden on my Bookshelf #fromthearchives Share on X

That Artsy Reader Girl September 11: Hidden Gems (which books haven’t been talked about as much or haven’t been marketed as strongly that you think deserve some recognition?) 

Jana (our book meme hostess) asks us to share those books we don’t normally talk about in our lists. That seems an easy enough task. Or it does to me. Especially since I don’t talk about half the books on my shelf (seriously, what is it about our favorite books that repeat on our lists?). There’s just something about those favorite books that we keep coming back to – and also, we want to spotlight as many times as possible.

Today’s list features books I don’t talk about much (at least I don’t think I have), but with exception to two titles, they’re also all books I have not yet read. Still they do fit into the frame of the topic because not only don’t I talk about these books much, but I don’t see them hyped overmuch.

Let’s have a look. (Recycling last week’s graphics, because I still don’t have my stuff together when it comes to prepping blog posts!! Lazy blogger alert, but at least we still get to talk all the pretty books!)


12 Quiet Gem Books Hidden on my Bookshelf


1: The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett | Haven’t read anything by this author, but I do hear all kinds of good things about her books (mostly her newest book, Starry Eyes). What I have not seen is much talk surrounding this novel. Goodreads

2 & 3: Emmy and Oliver, and Far From the Tree by Robin Benway | Despite hearing really good things about Robin’s books (especially Emmy & Oliver), I did intend to read one of her books. As of yet I have not remedied this!

Emmy & Oliver: Goodreads • Far from the Tree: Goodreads

12 Quiet Gem Books Hidden on my Bookshelf. Talking about some of the books I don't discuss as much from my shelf. Text © Rissi JC

4: With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden | Once upon a time I read this pretty historical. It’s been too long and though I feel like I enjoyed its story, someday a re-read is in order – as is a “catch up” session on Elizabeth’s books. Goodreads

5: A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro | A contemporary (kind of) YA Sherlock?! I’m in. Goodreads

Top Ten Tuesday

6: Top Ten Clues You’re Clueless by Liz Czukas | This one has been on my shelf for what seems forever. I picked it up because it looked like a fun, quick and entertaining read. It still holds this kind of appeal today. Have you read this one? Goodreads

7: The Rise and Fall of Jane by Corrie Garrett | This one is a contemporary re-telling of Jane Eyre, and as I’ve said so many times in the past, that’s one story I see very little nods to (not counting the many film adaptations). This one is a more recent add to my shelf, but I’m curious: have you read this one!? Goodreads

8: Signs Point to Yes by Sandy Hall | How cute does this one look?? Super, right!? Not only does the synopsis sound fun, but I adore this title. Oh, and I really need to remedy the fact that I have not yet read a novel by this author. Ooops! Goodreads

9: The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel | This one released late last year, and is actually one of those I kind of forgot to buy ASAP. Fortunately, I did remember and now, I have a copy of this novel (which sounds beautiful) just where it should be: on my shelf! Goodreads

10: Hearts Are Like Balloons by Candace Robinson | Another YA novel that sounds unique, I was drawn to this one thanks to its bright turquoise backdrop and pop of red in the form of balloons! Goodreads

11: Hello, Goodbye and Everything In-Between by Jennifer E. Smith | The second book on this list that I’ve actually read. I know I have talked about this one quite a bit, but it’s been a while, right? Plus I don’t feel like Jennifer’s books make very many lists, and if this story is anything to go by, I’m going to love her other books! Goodreads

12: It’s Not Me, It’s You by Stephanie Kate Strohm | Basically the title for this one made me sit up and take notice of it. I mean, isn’t it cute? After that, of course I also think the story sounds really fun, too. Goodreads


Tell me, what “hidden quiet gem books” stay hidden on your bookshelf? Or what books do you love, but don’t feel as if they earn enough praise? Comment down below with your best “hidden gem” favorites. I’d love to read about them – and of course, leave those Top Ten Tuesday links. I’d be glad to come by and visit.

If you joined today’s meme, make sure and leave your Top Ten Tuesday links below so I can visit – or simply introduce your blog. I’d be glad to visit your bookish spaces.


Thank you for visiting! Come back soon.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

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43 Comments

  1. I really want to read Jenn Bennett, probably starting with Starry eyes- it looks so awesome! And Top Ten Clues You're Clueless and Signs Point To Yes look great too (and I love BOTH those titles!).

    Happy Tuesday!

    1. Her books sound so good, Greg. I just have to prioritize one on my TBR (I own three of hers, so… no excuses!). Don't they sound fun!? (And I agree. Both Liz's and Sandy's have great titles.)

      Appreciate you visiting! :)

  2. Great list! I love the spin you put on it by talking mostly about books you haven't read yet. :) I've also heard good things about Jenn Bennett's writing, but I don't own any of her books yet – I should fix that! Emmy & Oliver has been on my kindle way too long so I need to read that soon, too, as well as A Study in Charlotte. Hopefully you'll find some new favorites in this list when you read them!

    — Destiny @ Howling Libraries
    T10T: Scared of the Hype!

    1. I thought that was fun since I often feature repeat books. :)

      YAY! Glad to know you too have heard good things about Jenn's books. I'm hoping this fall I finally pick them up. Nice to read about some of these being on your TBR as well; here's hoping we both enjoy, Destiny.

      Thanks so much for the visit.

    1. Ah, yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed ‘Charlotte.’ Something about this one seems like a perfect autumn time read. :)

      Thanks for visiting, Maggie.

    1. I’m so terribly behind on reading Elizabeth’s books. But someday I shall catch up! In the meantime, I’m so glad to know ‘Heart’ is a lovely read. :)

      As always, glad you stopped by, Brittaney.

    1. Doesn’t it sound and look interesting? Here’s hoping we both like Emmy & Oliver if we read it, KB! Your favorite is a new to me author and title. Thanks for sharing – and for the visit. :)

    1. Ooo! The Sherlock book you mention is a new-to-me title!! Thanks so much for sharing. I’ll definitely have to give it a look see. :)

      Appreciate you stopping by.

    1. I’m so hopefully I’ll enjoy Jenn’s books, so I’m glad you think they’re good reads too, Alicia. :)

      Glad you were able to visit. Thanks!

  3. I loved A Study in Charlotte! I've read Starry Eyes, but not the others by Jenn Bennett. Hidden gems on my shelves would have to include Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, which I am desperate to read but somehow haven't managed to start yet. Here's my TTT.

    1. I’ve heard AMAZING things about Ruta Sepetys’ book, but haven’t read anything! I should remedy this. :) Glad to know ‘Charlotte’ and Starry Eyes are good reads. Thanks for the visit, Kasey. :)

  4. Top Ten Clues You’re Clueless I bought when it was first released 293 years ago, and SAME hahah. One of these days! Also, I have read Anatomical Shape (though I bought it as Night Owls, the UK version because the cover is prettier hah) and it was quite good- not *as* good as Starry Eyes, but good. OH and do yourself a favor and read the Robin Benway books- they are both phenomenal and she does NOT get the credit she deserves!

    1. Glad I’m not the only one that’s had books on my shelf for 200+ years. ;) Also, good to know about ‘Anatomical,’ oh and I’m all about pretty cover art, so I don’t blame you wanting to get the UK cover. I clearly need to search the cover.

      YAY! Love that Robin Benway is getting some good recommendations in the comments. Makes me ALL the more excited to read one of her books. I’ll have to prioritize this.

      Thanks, as always, for the visit, Shannon.

  5. The Heart Between Us is the only one that I have on my Kindle, but I will have to check into a lot of these, since they sound like fun reads! I'm especially drawn to the re-telling of Jane Eyre.;)

    1. Doesn’t it sound interesting? I don’t see many re-tellings of novels like Jane Eyre, so I’m curious to discover what this one is like.

      Thanks for visiting, Amanda. :)

  6. Very cute titles. I was aware of some book like A Study in Charlotte and The Heart Between Us (both on my TBR) but you’re other book suggestions sound good, too. And the book covers are adorable! I’ll have to check them out!

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