You already know I love reading first sentences of novels, and here are some really good ones! From a few of the 2019 Christy Award finalists, no less. Not all of them, mind you, just a few chosen at random.
I love the varieties in style and hope you do, too! And GET READY TO VOTE because I’d like to know your favorite!
#1
“I discovered a secret.”
Falling for You by Becky Wade
Christy Award finalist – Contemporary Romance category
#2
Once upon a time, Melody Johansson had believed in happily ever afters.
Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe by Carla Laureano
Christy Award finalist – Contemporary Romance category
#3
He wasn’t looking for trouble, but if Pete didn’t act right now, at least one person was going to die.
Wait for Me by Susan May Warren
Christy Award finalist – Contemporary Romance category
#4
The sense of dread that began with Becky’s email pressed Gillian Short deep into her seat as passengers filed past her down the aisle, a line of eye-rubbing yawns and bouncing impatience.
The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings
Christy Award finalist – First Novel category
#5
“Don’t fail. Tonight of all nights, don’t fail.”
Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson
Christy Award finalist – First Novel category
#6
Altimeter steady at five hundred feet, USAAC Pensacola Payback screamed along at two-hundred-seventy-miles per hour, right above the steep-pitched roofs of Osaka, Japan.
The Plum Blooms in Winter by Linda Thompson
Christy Award finalist – First Novel category
#7
The breeze tugged at my hair and cooled my skin.
Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin
Christy Award finalist – General Fiction category
#8
The Lafayette Coney Island was not a comfortable place to be early.
We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartel
Christy Award finalist – General Fiction category
#9
The pulse of the sea pressed me forward, urging my body deeper into its embrace.
The Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette
Christy Award finalist – Historical category
#10
My first and last memories are my cousin Laurette.
The Seamstress by Allison Pittman
Christy Award finalist – Historical category
#11
From the very beginning it was the Great Lion who brought us together.
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan
Christy Award finalist – Historical Romance category
#12
Graham, the Viscount Wharton, heir to the earldom of Grableton, pride of the Cambridge fencing team, coveted party guest, and generally well-liked member of both Brooke’s and White’s, was bored.
A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter
Christy Award finalist – Historical Romance category
#13
Galloping her horse past the big oak tree, Mulan pulled the bowstring taut.
The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
Christy Award finalist – Young Adult category
#14
I wasn’t ready to turn to stone.
Fawkes by Nadine Brandes
Christy Award finalist – Young Adult category
To see all of the 2019 Christy Award finalists, visit the Christy Award website.
I’m thrilled to be announcing the winner in the YOUNG ADULT category that evening!
Now tell me, do you have a favorite first sentence from the fourteen choices above? One that really grabs you and makes you want to read more? Please share!
Happy Tuesday to all!
Tamera
Tamera Alexander
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So many good ones. Really tough decision… 😃
How hard is it for an author to find the perfect first sentence?
I’m really looking forward to your next book. When will it be released?
Hey Coco! First sentences are huge. In fact, with my last book, I really worked and worked on writing a captivating first sentence/paragraph, only for my editor to suggest that a prologue would really help the reader to engage with the characters before a tragic inciting event took place, so I added a prologue. (And just FYI, my editor was right!) But that meant that the opening paragraph I’d worked so hard on was pushed to Ch 1, and my “real” opening sentence just isn’t nearly so grabby to me. But again, my editor was right.
To have opened the story where I originally wanted to, could have overwhelmed some readers to the point they may have just put the book down. Which is never what an author is going for! ; )
As for my next book (Carnton 2), it’ll be out Summer 2020. I’m finishing rewrites now and will have a cover reveal soon!
So much hard work for one sentence. Certainly it isn‘t easy when the editor changes the result of this effort. But I think it‘s only to make something great even better! 😊 I wish you all the best for the rewriting process and look forward to Summer 2020 😊
have a nice day!
You too, my friend!
True! First sentences are powerful and enticing. I’ve read quite a few of the above-mentioned books. Of the rest, I’m intrigued by The Plum Blooms in Winter by Linda Thompson. So grateful for such inspiring Christian works of art. 😊
I love that one, too, Donna! Draws the reader in. The Shelter of the Most High drew me as well. Thanks for sharing!
#11. “From the very beginning it was the Great Lion that brought us together.” Beautifully compelling for couldn’t we all say this about a friendship?
Yes, that’s a fav of mine too. And it’s a FABULOUS book. Patti’s one talented writer!
#12 is my favorite. Hunter’s novels are excellent and this first line is an example of her wit and humor.
Isn’t that a great first line? Witty but also tells the reader so much about the character, and the style of the novel itself! Thanks for sharing, Nicole!
1,3 and 5…have intriguing opening lines…….
Agree, Beverly! Thanks for sharing.
Tamera,
Great first lines. I love first lines that draw me into the story right away.
#13
Galloping her horse past the big oak tree, Mulan pulled the bowstring taut.
The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
A great book!
Blessings, Tina
I love all of these! I’ve read several this year actually! But my favorite first line out of these is Wait for Me by Susan May Warren. Fascinating. Second favorite, is from Shelter of the Most High, which I read. Love love love that story.