https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2019
These year in books from Goodreads are always a fun look back. That’s mostly the only reason I do the Goodreads challenge, so I have a quick, easy record of what I’ve read over the year. I’ve tried a couple of times to keep a pen and paper record but seeing as I’m on my phone or tablet so much it’s just easier and quicker this way.
You have to set a target in order to track so I set my goal at 50 because it’s just under a book a week allowing for slumps etc. I’ve been working days for last two years now, it definitely means I read less. I don’t get the option of reading on the bus or all day before my night shift anymore but I’m glad for the swop for so many other reasons.
I hit a huge reading slump a bit ago that lasted about a month. I finally managed to push through it. I’ve loved a few books this year but I don’t know if it’s as many as previous years or if I’ve loved them as much as I previous years’ books. I definitely have a couple of stand out favourites. I don’t think I’m going to do a list or Top 10. I think I’m just going to look through my year in books graphic and write some streams of consciousness about some of the books I read and loved. My reviews/longer thoughts will be on Goodreads.
My first and last review (if the graphic updates) are both books by Dee Garretson. After Nothing But Sky by Amy Trueblood being my runway favourite book of last year I was on the look out for more historical fiction, a genre I’d never entertained before. I had to read Nothing But Sky because of the cover and I am so, so glad I did. All Is Fair definitely ticked the HF box. I managed to get an ARC to read and review for this blog. Same thing with Gone by Nightfall. And also complete cover love! ๐
I finally read my first K.A.Tucker book this year Be the Girl. I loved it, her writing is fantastic but I definitely had mixed feelings about the ending. I’ve also just scratched the surface on the audiobook of her A Simple Wild. I hope to dig in a little more soon. I loved experiencing #Nerd a few years ago as an audiobook and hope to have the same vivid experience with this book.
I went ahead and brought Every Breathe by Nicholas Sparks in hardcover because this time I just couldn’t wait for the paperback. It felt like the older Sparks books again. I really loved it. He’s recently announced his new one for next year so I’m excited for that.
Although I’ve never really sat down and watched Buffy I wanted to read Slayer because I needed something that reminded me of Legacies. It was definitely just the thing. I’m hoping to be approved through Netgalley for the sequel, Chosen. If not I’ll definitely be buying it.
I read the first Agatha Oddly book last year and was absolutely thrilled to be approved for next two during this year. Agatha is a lot of fun. Those three books complete a story but I so hope we’ll get more. If not more Agatha then at least more from Lena Jones.
After the sensation that was Beartown I knew I had to read more Fredrik Backman. Ove was fantastic. A slow, building book. If it had been my first Backman read it would be probably be my favourite (reminded me of The Rosie Project too) but Beartown was just that good it can’t be topped I don’t think.
I read all three of the Stranger Things novels this year. They were all prequels to the show and all by different authors. I really enjoyed them and they are something else I hope there will be more of.
Run Away by Harlan Coben. Well he’s my ride or die. I always know I’ll enjoy his books this one was just woah. The twist after the twist gah! I’m so excited for The Boy from the Woods.
I won a paperback copy of The Day We Met because I stated that I loved One Day in December by Josie Silver (another favourite of last year). The comparison was strong. I’d seen it on Netgalley etc but over looked it but I’m so glad I had my head turned on that one.
The first Kylie Scott book I read was her YA book Trust. This year I finally read one of her adult books Repeat. I liked it and it probably would be a favourite if I had read it first.
Across A Broken Shore is one my absolute standouts this year. It was one of my most anticipated reads after Nothing But Sky. I read it months before it’s November release. Love love love. Amy is a favourite no doubt about it. ๐
I’m a little behind with Sarina Bowen so Extra Credit was a special treat. Three gorgeous novellas. Two were a reread and one was brand new. I’m super excited for Heartland and will definetly be reading it as soon as it hits my kindle work permitting of course because the True North series is really something.
Five Feet Apart was definitely this years TFiOS with a beautiful cover and film to boot. It looks like I followed it up with another fantastic YA book A Curse so Dark and Lonely. Another favourite for sure. I am chomping at the bit the sequel. And here I was thinking I only liked standalone books.
I finally found the right time to read Dee Lagasse’s debut book Without Warning. I’m such a mood reader so it needed to be right. I’m excited to read the rest of her books which are all sitting on my kindle. I also finally read a Mary Billitar book the last line of which has made me excited for yet another sequel.
Beyond the Horizon by Ella Carey was another historical fiction with a beautiful cover. I love books with women doing things other than what is expected of them so a group of female pilots called to me. I hope to read more books by Ella.
I won a signed copy of Malamander by Thomas Taylor from Foyles and just adored everything about it. Every time I read a middle grade book I vow to read more!
An Enchantment of Ravens and Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson are two books I kept hearing so much about and therefore couldn’t stop thinking about. I started Sorcery of Thorns on my kindle and just knew I needed the hardcover. Vick brought me them both for my birthday. They have shimmery, beautiful covers.
We Met in December by Rosie Curtis is my other absolute favourite of this year. It’s this years One Day in December but I think it’s even better. I’ve already recommended it a bunch of times. I really hope it gets the wind behind it like One Day in December did. On the subject of Josie Silver I was thrilled to be approved to read her next book The Two Lives of Lydia Bird. She’s a really talented writer and I can’t wait until everyone starts reading this one too.
So Lucky by Dawn O’Porter was loud and proud and feminist. Again because I read The Cows first though it has the edge. I just love Dawn and will continue to look forward to her books.
There was newness from Mary Jayne Baker and Katey Lovell this year and they were a joy to read and review. I’ve missed their books.
I enjoyed being back at the Buckingham Hotel when I read Anton Du Beke’s Moonlight Over Mayfair. I’m eagerly awaiting the third instalment. I read Lip Smacker by Alison G. Bailey. Her rom-coms are great but I for one can’t wait for her next tearjerker. A Love Like This by Maria Duffy was packed full of missed opportunities and I do like those books. One Week ‘Til Christmas by Belinda Missen is the book that helped me hit my target of 50 books. I read it on Wednesday which just happened be… One Week ‘Til Christmas. It was all London and festive and magical. What’s not to like? ๐
I’m unsure now whether to get a head start on books I want to read next year, read another Christmas book or start something long that will take me into the New Year. I usually like to start something new in January but I also want to read all the things.
I’m looking forward to reading some of the books I’ve acquired over the last few weeks such as the His Dark Materials trilogy and Invisible in A Bright Light that I absolutely brought for the cover. It even has a ribbon bookmark! ๐
I was part of a Secret Santa book exchange this month. I was gifted three books one of which is Sally Thorne’s 99 Percent Mine which has been on my tbr list for ages. Vick brought me for Christmas the first of two (so far?) Nancy Drew books where she is older much like she is in the new tv series. I’m trying very hard not to start it until after Christmas Day but I’m wavering.
There’s books I want to read next year that I didn’t get around to this year like the Riverdale books and books I want to read because they are going to be on screen soon like All the Bright Places and Noughts and Crosses. And then of course all the weird and wonderful ones that crosses my path during 2020! โบ๏ธ
Pinkmads Picks 