A Few of the 2020 Novels I Hope will Dazzle as Five Stars

Pressing on with the theme of “2020 topics,” another of these weekly discussions centers on reads of 2020. First there were anticipated read of 2020, next came upcoming cover art I heart, and today? Well, now, finally I have some ‘2020 five star predictions.’

BOOK REVIEW | ‘The Map From Here to There’ is a Really Good Novel

Much as I enjoy curating these types of publications, it’s also a little (stress little) bit of a chore too. I like to think I’m carefully considering what I put on the list because I want to be as honest about what I’m anticipating, loving or hoping to give five stars as I can be. (Plus, I feel like in 2019 I had or gave – ? – fewer and fewer five stars…) Specific to today, most of the time the qualifications for this is a culmination of two (or three) things.

1: Publisher

Many think this is an unusual thing to include when considering a novel, but I’ll confess, when a book catches my eye (cover art, author), one of the things I eagerly check (in addition to the release date because when can I read book []!) is the publisher. I find I trust certain publishers almost as much as certain authors.

2: Plot

Of course a book also has to sound super interesting, and as such, it’s the stories that sound most interesting that earn places on these types of 2020 lists, like today.

3: Author

Last, but certainly not least and perhaps for this specific list, AUTHOR is what’s most important. There are many authors I love who I don’t predict giving five stars to (because there’s always some kind of “nagging” element that holds back punching in that fifth star), but this year, I focus on upcoming books by authors whose works have “wowed” me in the past, and novels penned by authors whom I trust.

With that little explanation out of the way, I’ll tell you, I talk about a few five star predictions in the new Finding Wonderland video, and because this is how I roll, also a few (stress few) more down below. So… read onward if you like.

2020 FIVE STAR PREDICTIONS

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1: The Betrothed (May) by Kiera Cass

Ok, to be honest, this one appears in today’s video, but I’m so darn excited that this is FINALLY seeing publication in 2020, I cannot help it. Amazon | Goodreads

2: Before I Called You Mine (March) by Nicole Deese

The fact that this is Nicole’s first novel with Bethany House (a favorite publisher) is an exciting one. I’ve enjoyed what I read by her (still love A New Shade of Summer), and this one leaves me as eager. Amazon | Godoreads

3: Jo & Laurie (June) by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz

This one feels like a “cheat” add for two reasons (the primary being I don’t know these authors well, i.e. by their works), but the cover art is so pretty, and I am hopeful for this one, so I simply had to add it. Though I’ve never cared one way or another on the whole should-have-been-Jo-and-Laurie ship, I am interested to see how someone imagines them as a pair. It’ll be a birthday gift for myself (as if I need any excuse). Amazon | Goodreads

4: The Land Beneath Us (February) by Sarah Sundin

Much to my bookworm shame, I have yet to read the series this novel belongs to. But Sarah’s books are always expertly crafted, so again, optimistic. Amazon | Goodreads

Unfortunately that’s all I have, but I know there’ll be more candidates (and hopefully I can update this in the next month) as the month(s) press on because we get more book announcements the further into the year things progress. Plus, there are a few indie authors I enjoy who tend to surprise readers with their new releases, so… here’s hoping there’s lots more to celebrate! Until then, check out today’s video to see a few other “2020 five star predictions”!

Turning things over to you, all! Tell me, what 2020 five star predictions have you or do you think you’ll give those five shiny stars to in this year of reading? Any of these on your lists? Do you give out five stars much? Comment all your thoughts below. I’d love to chat.