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.

WATCH THE 2019 CHRISTY AWARDS LIVE this Wednesday evening from Nashville at 7:30PM CT by visiting The Christy Awards Facebook Page.

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