2021 Gift Ideas for Book Lovers

So many books, so little time! Am I the only one pinching myself that 2021 is coming to a close? I don’t think so. Last year, I recapped some of my favorite reads of the year, and I’d like to continue that tradition. Here are my top reads for 2021, and maybe you’ll find the perfect gift for the book lover in your life among them. If I featured the book or author on the blog, I’m hyperlinking back to that post so you can learn more if you’re interested.

Speculative Fiction

This year offered some outstanding new releases in speculative fiction, including the first book in a new duology by Morgan L. Busse, the anticipated finale to Jess Corban’s A Gentle Tyranny, and debut speculative fiction novels by C. J. Campbell and Alyssa Roat. Plus, my own Rogues trilogy received a new look, thanks to my editor at Write Integrity Press.

• Secrets in the Mist by Morgan L. Busse
• A Brutal Justice by Jess Corban
• Tempest by C. J. Campbell
• Wraithwood by Alyssa Roat
• The Rogues Trilogy by Kristen Hogrefe (new covers!)

Young Adult

Some other excellent young adult books I enjoyed this year included the finale to Taylor Bennett’s Tradewind series and Mark Wainwright’s middle-grade adventure, Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon. Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren has been on my book list for a while and is absolutely delightful.

• Promise Me Aloha by Taylor Bennett
• Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon by Mark Wainwright
• Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Romantic Suspense

DiAnn Mills is the queen of this genre, and her new release, Trace of Doubt, did not disappoint. Jerusha Agen released not one, but two books in this genre, and both are outstanding. This genre is ever growing closer to my heart, and next year at this time, you’ll be able to enjoy my first book in the romantic suspense genre, thanks to my publisher Mountain Brook Ink.

• Hidden Danger by Jerusha Agen
• Rising Danger by Jerusha Agen
• Trace of Doubt by DiAnn Mills
• Fragments of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks

Excellence in Fiction

I love a good book, whether it’s in a genre I write in or not, and these three are absolute gems that I discovered this year. Dust is Eva Marie Everson’s latest release and a powerful story about how ordinary lives make a difference. Politano has quickly become one of my new favorite authors, as has Rachel Hauck, whose stories are simply magical.

• Dust by Eva Marie Everson
• A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano
• The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck

Non-Fiction

I’m always looking for books that teach me something or help me grow in my faith and in my relationships with others. This list is far from exhaustive for the nonfiction books I’ve read this year, because truthfully, some nonfiction books become more like reference guides I refer back to. If you’re looking for a great gift idea, I highly recommend these four as a starting place.

• The Growing Season by Sarah Philpott
• She Walked Before Us by Jill Eileen Smith
• The Divine Adventure by Rebecca Friedlander
• 365 Ways to Love Your Child by Julie Lavender

I’d love to hear from you in the comments what other books you would add to the list. Happy Christmas reading!

~ Kristen