I love reading first lines of novels.

One of my favorite pastimes is pulling books off the shelf (or opening samples downloaded to my Kindle) and reading first lines of novels to see which ones pull me in the most.

A phenomenal first line doesn’t automatically guarantee a great read, of course. But it does mean the author has given thought as to how to capture—and keep—your interest!

So are you ready? Let’s play!

And an added BONUS! I’m GIVING AWAY ALL SEVEN OF THESE NOVELS TODAY!

To enter to win, simply leave a comment on this blog post today. Only U.S. mailing addresses, please, due to cost of mailing…cha-ching (but I still love and appreciate you, international friends)! Winners will be chosen at random tonight and posted right here after 9PM central time.

Maybe you’ve already read some of these. Or perhaps they’re on your TBR list!

#1 Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher

Ben Henning showed his cousin Jessica into the kitchen of the old farmhouse.

#2 The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen

Mercy Grove could no longer put off the painful task.

#3 When You Are Near by Tracie Peterson

Lizzy Brookstone sat atop her perfectly groomed horse, Longfellow, and waited for her cue.

#4 The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck

This could be her night for triumph.

#5 Moments We Forget by Beth K. Vogt

I had half an hour, no more than that, to get my life in order so my sisters would never suspect how unprepared I was for this morning.

#6 The View From Rainshadow Bay by Colleen Coble

The wind blew her long black hair across her face and obscured her vision as she ran through the lavender fields, the sweet aroma mixing with her perspiration.

#7 To Wager Her Heart by moi (which I forgot to include in the collage, ah well…)

Alexandra Jamison had always wanted a sister.

I was tempted to add the second and third lines of these novels because they build on each other. But to abide by the rules of the game, I politely refrained. : )

Did one of these first sentences capture your interest and inspire you to want to keep reading? Or do you have a novel you’ve read—maybe several times—in which the opening sentence feels like a welcome visit with an old friend? If so, please share!

Be sure and sign up to win one of these novels by leaving a comment below.

Lastly, I’d appreciate your prayers for my precious Dad. He entered hospice this past weekend and is in the final days and weeks of his earthly journey. And oh, is he ever ready to be with Jesus! Which makes this coming goodbye more sweet than bitter, but it still hurts, of course. Because saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy. Even when—thank you, Jesus!—that goodbye is only temporary.

As believers, we grieve over death, for sure, but we grieve WITH HOPE! The hope of eternally being with Christ—the Author and Perfecter of our faith—and of being reunited with loved ones who’ve died in Him. Which is a forever promise that’s becoming more cherished with each passing day.

Love you all and am so grateful for our community of faith here at Inspired by Life and Fiction,

Tammy

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING IBL&F FRIENDS WHO WON THE BOOKS!

The number of the winner (#1) corresponds to the number of the book (listed above) that you won!

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME YOUR U.S. SNAIL MAIL ADDRESS so we can get your book in the mail!