This is the first year I’ve kept track of the books I’ve read in a journal. All the books I’ve finished reading this year have been fabulous reads and I could add more if I wanted to make the list longer. But lists are always fun to make so I compiled my top 10!
No book challenge for me in 2018, but they look fun! Do you like book challenges? Which ones have you done before? Let me know! I might be in the mood to try one for 2019!
Onto my top ten list
For the love of Liberty:
This short time travel historical surprised me with both the plot and the ending. It was such a fun read, and I’ve been dying to read more books centered around the Revolutionary War. Books I’ll be looking for in 2019.
A Cliche Christmas: 
I don’t read Christmas novels. I always thought they were cliche, but I read 3 in 2018 and they were all wonderful! I never knew I liked Christmas stories until this year. It’s hilarious that the one I liked the most was called a Cliche Christmas, because it’s anything but!
Focus on Love:
I actually love this whole series (There are 3 books so far and a 4th coming soon) But this one was my favorite of the 3. I love the 2 main characters, I love the plot, the happy young love! It was just such a fun read.
Chasing Pearl:
This was another novella from Hallee Bridgeman that I fell in love with. I think this author has won me over when it comes to novellas, because before reading anything by her, I was never a fan of novellas. This one was beautiful,romantic, and I love her ability to tell stories over a long length of time. Love everything about this story.
The Lost Heiress:
Much of my books I’ve read this year were repeat authors. This one however was a new author to me, and I fell in love with the beauty of her descriptions, and the emotion in her plot. Wonderful historical romance.
Her Traitor’s heart:
Another new author to me this year: And another beautifully descriptive and deeply emotional historical romance. I’m a huge fan of Lynn Austin and this story reminds me of her books.
Northern Deception:
Another new author! I just recently read this new release and it was as romantic and suspenseful as I’d eagerly hoped! Great characters with complex and emotional backstories, and a unique setting. Great suspenseful plot that kept me guessing as to who could possibly be behind all of the attacks against the main character. I loved the ending; ridiculously intense!
My Stubborn Heart:
I’ve read all of Becky wade’s book now, except her newest one. Surprisingly, this one which was her first romance, was the most recent one I read and I didn’t think I’d like the plot just by the back cover blurb alone, but because of the high recommendations of so many other readers, I gave it a go. And it did NOT disappoint.
The incredible depth of emotion she portrays in her characters is stunning and beautiful. And as always, Becky Wade’s writing is flawless.
A New Shade of Summer:
This author is on here twice because she’s that amazing. Definitely one of my top books of the year just because of the characters alone. They felt so real and alive. I rarely have the opportunity to read such realistic dialogue and character interactions. No over dramatic emotions or over the top interactions. I’ve always struggled with writing dialogue myself. There is so much to learn from this awesome author. Along with all that, of course, the heartwarming romance was wonderful!
Justice
My top favorite read of the year and I will never stop telling people how good this book is. I can’t even adequately explain why. This is one of the few books I’ve read twice (I don’t read books twice! Weird, I know!!!
The quality of writing was superb. The characters were well-crafted, well rounded, flawed and beautiful all at once. I think what captured my attention more than anything else was how the author handled such a delicate issue as rape. In Christian Fiction. I know it’s been done by other authors in the past, but I don’t see it as common place. The way she handled it with tact and finesse, amazed me. Also, Jake’s downward spiral and then reversal fascinated me. I am always impressed when authors infuse realistic feelings and reactions into their characters because life is messy and pain happens. It is not always easy to pull this off. For a debut novel, especially, this is a fabulous story.
Wow, thank you, Sara, for these kind words about Justice! You’ve read some fantastic books this year, and it’s both an encouragement and an honor to be mentioned among them! <3
You’re very welcome friend!
Oh, by the way, I saw in your newsletter that you’re about to read Becky Wade’s Falling for You. That was my very favorite read of 2018. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Just finished it. It is quite fantastic. It’s only the 2nd book I’ve read this year 🙂