I didn't post a year-end round-up post in 2013. When I made the shift from working part-time to working a full-time, six-days-a-week job (with an hour long commute in each direction) I found that it affected both my reading time and my blogging time. 2013 was the year that I found myself going from reading 2 to 4 books a week to being lucky to read one. However in 2014 I found myself finding balance again. I realized that reading is the one thing that keeps me sane and I decided to make it a priority once again. Although there are still weeks when I only manage to read one book in that week I make sure that I always have a book with me. I also make sure that I'm only reading the books that I'm the most interested in reading. After all, my philosophy remains that life is too short for bad books! As a result I find myself reading an interesting mix of novels that range from ones that have been recommended to me to those that I read for my online book club and ones that have simply caught my eye. I'm constantly adding books to my eReader queue. I wanted to share the books with you that I just can't stop recommending. The following books are my favourites from 2014 (some were published before 2014 but that's when I read them). If you are looking for some fantastic reads for 2015, or if you are looking for a way to spend those gift cards from Christmas, I can't recommend these ones highly enough! In no particular order:
The Unpredictable Consequences of Love by Jill Mansell (my review): I always look forward to Jill Mansell's latest releases. She is the author that made me fall in love with chick-lit and I have always been grateful to her for my introduction to the genre.
Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid (my review): I just cannot rave about this book enough. It rocketed Taylor Jenkins Reid into my list of very favourite authors! The story was magical and emotional and so well-written. Please read it if you haven't already!
Catching Air by Sarah Pekkanen (my review): I couldn't get enough of this book and found myself hurrying through my other tasks to get back to reading! Sarah is definitely on my list of most-loved authors and I can recommend all of her books.
The No-Kids Club by Talli Roland (my review): Talli Roland, another one of my favourite authors, released this book in 2014 that took us through the journey of one woman who doesn't want kids but feels the pressure to have them from all angles. Enjoyable and fast-paced, this is another must-read from Talli (and at about $2, it's a steal!)!
Your Perfect Life by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke (my review): A new release by my favourite author duo, this book flowed beautifully and made me consider what it would be like to wake up in my best friends body. Highly entertaining!
One Plus One by Jojo Moyes (my review): I loved this book so much that I immediately downloaded Jojo Moyes' backlist. Soooo good! I was completely sucked into this book from the very beginning!
After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid (my review): My favourite book of 2014! A beautiful story about a marriage in trouble, written with grace and insight.
All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner (my review): A scarily accurate portrayal of a middle-class mother who has spiralled into drug-addiction.
Never Google Heartbreak by Emma Garcia (my review): I loved this book so much that I finished it and then bought the sequel that day! Sassy and fun, this is a must-read for any chick-lit fan!
The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell (my review): I found myself thinking about this one even when I wasn't reading it. A fascinating look at the very real problem of hoarding and how it affects families.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (my review): If you haven't read this one,please do! Easily my second favourite book of the year and one that I will be recommending for years to come.
So there you go! If you're looking for something to read, these are my 11 favourite reads of the year and I hope that you enjoy them as much as I did!
As for 2015 I resolve to continue to read those books that catch my eye, the ones that intrigue me, the new releases by my favourite authors, and the debut releases by authors that I want to get to know better. I resolve to read only those books that excite me, and I wish the same for you!
Happy 2015 and Happy Reading To You!
I couldn't pick one favorite so ten ended up on my list. I loved so many from your list: One Plus One, Forever Interrupted, After I Do, The House We Grew Up In, A Man Called Ove, Your Perfect Life. What a great year for reading! I need to get hold of Catching Air!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
It's funny how similar our taste is! Happy New Year to you, Mary, and I wish you great reading in 2015!
DeleteJonita, so happy to hear you found a nice balance this year. I loved "Ove" as well and must read One Plus One in 2015.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
I just saw A Man Called Ove on Diane's list (Bibliophile by the Sea) too! I have a copy from the library because the reader who returned it praised it so highly, but I haven't started it yet! Happy reading and glad you hit your stride in 2014 with work-life balance!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely read "A Man Called Ove" if you can! I laughed the whole way through, yet the book had a beautiful solemnity to it as well.
DeleteA Man Called Ove is on my list and The House We Grew Up In is in my TBR stack! I need to get to both of them.
ReplyDeleteI think that you'll enjoy both, Holly! Such fantastic reads!
DeleteI love the book A Man Called Ove :)
ReplyDeleteI am always looking for new books that excite me and keep me interested! I just finished called "Revenge of the Cube Dweller" by author Joanne Fox Phillips (http://www.tanzielewis.com/). The book is smart, funny, and engaging. I did not want to put this book down for a second. I related to the main character, Tanzie, laughed out out loud throughout and I just loved it. The book not only appeals to those who work in a job that they hate but for anyone who has been in a bad relationship and have had to start from the bottom up. The main character is a heroine that is very easy to root for from start to finish. I highly recommend
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